WinnDems News

WASHINGTON — This week, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), voted to establish a process for seizing the assets of corrupt Russian oligarchs to support the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. The Asset Seizure for Ukraine Reconstruction Act lays the groundwork for the federal government to raise funds for Ukraine by confiscating high-value property, such as yachts, jets and luxury homes, from […] The post Bustos Votes to Establish Process for Confiscating Russian Oligarchs’ Assets appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SPTZvy

After a Tennessee nurse killed a patient because of a drug error, the companies behind hospital medication cabinets said they’d make the devices safer. But did they? http://dlvr.it/SPSNS0

The top candidates to lead California’s most populous city have pledged to expand services for homeless people struggling with mental illness and substance use disorders. But they differ on whether the city should control homeless funding or continue a partnership with the county. http://dlvr.it/SPSNND

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) emphasized the need to address teacher shortages during a House Appropriations Committee hearing with U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. During the hearing, Bustos highlighted her RETAIN Act – legislation to help fill open positions by providing tax credits to teachers at Title One schools.  WATCH: Bustos Highlights Need to Address […] The post Bustos Highlights Need to Address Teacher Shortages in Hearing with Education Secretary Cardona appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SPR2gJ

Congress is back in session, but covid diagnoses for Vice President Kamala Harris and two Democratic senators have temporarily left the Senate without a working majority to approve continued covid funding. Meanwhile, opponents of the Affordable Care Act have filed yet another lawsuit challenging a portion of the law, and we say goodbye to the late Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, who left a long legacy of health laws. Rachel Cohrs of STAT News, Anna Edney of Bloomberg News, and Rebecca Adams of KHN join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. http://dlvr.it/SPQl5Q

The man who forged a successful working relationship with Democratic health giants, such as Sen. Edward Kennedy and Rep. Henry Waxman, fell back on his deep conservative roots as opposition grew to the Affordable Care Act and the administration of President Barack Obama. http://dlvr.it/SPNyr3

In the shadow of Texas’ austere abortion regulations, grassroots organizers employ stealth tactics to help young women get emergency contraception. http://dlvr.it/SPNym6

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, joined Adrienne Bankert on Morning in America to provide an update on the war in Ukraine and how the conflict is impacting gas prices.  During the interview, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos applauded President Biden for the release of U.S. Marine Veteran Trevor Reed […] The post Bustos on NewsNation: Ethanol Blending Can “Bring Down the Price of Gas” appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SPMJg9

The Fierro family owed a Yuma, Arizona, hospital more than $7,000 for care given to mom and dad, so when a son dislocated his shoulder, they headed to Mexicali. The care was quick, good, and affordable. http://dlvr.it/SPKM2H

Colorado researchers publish a tool to help gun owners and family members plan ahead for safe firearm use and transfers in the event of disability or death. http://dlvr.it/SPKLyQ

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) invited constituents of Illinois’ 17th Congressional District to vote on their favorite artwork submitted to her office from high school students across Northwest and Central Illinois as a part of the 2022 Congressional Art Competition. The winning artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol. Constituents can submit their votes here until Friday at […] The post Voting Now Open for Bustos’ 2022 Congressional Art Competition appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SPHLmX

A measure likely to be on California’s November ballot would tax the state’s wealthiest residents to rebuild crumbling public health infrastructure and try to head off another pandemic. But are inflation-weary Californians willing to vote for new taxes? http://dlvr.it/SPFwXj

Dying malls have turned out to be good places to care for the living. During the pandemic, mall-to-medicine transitions accelerated, with at least 10 health systems moving in where retail has moved out. http://dlvr.it/SPFwX4

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced that nearly $100,000 in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rural infrastructure grants have been awarded to Morrison, Oquawka and Williamsfield, Illinois.  “Our small cities and villages are the fabric of the Heartland and the drivers of our rural economy,” Congresswoman Bustos said. “Since I was elected to Congress nearly a decade ago, […] The post Bustos Announces Nearly $100,000 in USDA Infrastructure Grants for Morrison, Oquawka & Williamsfield appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SPCq7Y

Colorado is requiring insurers that offer public option plans to collect demographic data on health providers, including race and sexual orientation. The aim is to connect patients with the right provider, but providers are worried about their privacy. http://dlvr.it/SPBS03

Federal funding that paid for covid testing, treatment, and vaccines for uninsured people has run out. While some states struggle to make up the difference, California is relying on other state and local programs to continue free testing. http://dlvr.it/SPBRyK

CANTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Illinois State Director of USDA Rural Development Betsy Dirksen Londrigan completed a USDA Rural Development Business & Industry Grant and Community Facilities Infrastructure Tour in Fulton and McDonough Counties. “It was great to join Illinois State Director of USDA Rural Development Betsy Dirksen Londrigan today to tour facilities in Fulton and McDonough […] The post Bustos Completes Illinois Rural Development Tour in Fulton, McDonough Counties appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SP4Mb3

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) is accepting applications for more than $156 million in grant funding.  The COPS grant program supports law enforcement agencies with funding for additional law enforcement officers. The program aims to improve community policing capacity […] The post Bustos Announces Availability of $156M in COPS Grants for Law Enforcement Agencies appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SP3RFN

PEORIA — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) visited the former Harrison School in Peoria where she presented a $1 million check to demolish the abandoned structure. Bustos secured the federal investment through the Community Project Funding process.  “When the old Harrison School was built back in 1901, it served an important role in this community,” Congresswoman Cheri Bustos said. “Today, […] The post PEORIA: Bustos Presents $1 Million Check For Demolition of Former Harrison School appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SP3FZ8

A diabetes diagnosis is not always related to a person’s weight or overall health, especially for those with Type 1 diabetes, who are dependent on insulin treatment for life. http://dlvr.it/SP2KjB

GALESBURG — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) visited the Galesburg Sanitary District’s Wastewater Treatment Plant for her 116th Cheri on Shift, where she cleaned equipment used to ensure proper water flow at the facility. Bustos also presented the plant with a $1.2 million check for upgrades. Bustos secured the federal investment through the Community Project Funding process. “When we […] The post GALESBURG: Bustos Presents $1.2 Million Check for Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SP15TP

MOLINE — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) visited Western Illinois University’s Quad-Cities Campus in Moline where she presented a $400,000 check for their small business programming. Bustos secured the federal investment through the Community Project Funding process.  “Three years ago, I gathered community leaders from throughout the district I serve and held roundtables to hear directly from them […] The post QUAD-CITIES: Bustos Presents $400,000 Check to WIU Quad-Cities Campus appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SP0rqT

Amid covid-19, the potential overturn of Roe v. Wade, and a war in Europe, the Affordable Care Act has been flying under the radar in 2022. But this will be a pivotal year for the federal health law. Unless Congress acts, millions of Americans could see their costs for coverage rise dramatically as expanded subsidies expire. At the same time, the end of the public health emergency could boost the uninsured rate as states disenroll people from Medicaid. Peter Lee, who recently stepped down as the first executive director of the largest state-run ACA insurance marketplace, Covered California, has thought long and hard about how the ACA came to be, how it’s been implemented, and what should happen to it now. He joins host and KHN chief Washington correspondent Julie Rovner for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of the ACA. http://dlvr.it/SNzfvk

A recent court decision that overturns one of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s few pandemic rules — masks required on public transportation — spotlights how little power remains in federal hands to enforce public health protections. http://dlvr.it/SNyqwY

As Google joins Apple in adding heart rhythm sensors to wearable devices, and millions of people gain access to alerts that flag when their hearts might have skipped a beat, cardiologists are wondering what to do with all the information. http://dlvr.it/SNv89Q

The research is clear that improving indoor air quality is an essential tool in stemming the spread of covid and a host of other diseases. But companies have to be willing to invest. http://dlvr.it/SNqgXR

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) joined Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02), David Scott (GA-13) and Cindy Axne (IA-03) in a statement responding to the Biden Administration’s recent decision to rescind 31 oil refineries’ previously-granted waivers from biofuel blending requirements.  In the statement, the Members applauded the Administration’s denial of Small Refinery Exemptions as a step in the right direction, while noting […] The post Bustos, Colleagues Release Statement on Recent EPA Biofuels Decision appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SNnKd1

A controversial proposal to grant HMO giant Kaiser Permanente a no-bid statewide Medicaid contract is headed for its first legislative hearing amid vocal opposition from a coalition of counties, competing health plans, community clinics, and a national health care labor union. http://dlvr.it/SNmSCy

The federal “test-to-treat” program was designed to be a one-stop shop for people to get tested for covid and to receive treatment. But as covid cases rise again, many communities have no participating locations, and website bugs make it difficult to book an appointment at the biggest participant. http://dlvr.it/SNd7QH

Empathy overload and compassion fatigue contribute to the mental health woes of veterinarians, who are more likely than other Americans to attempt suicide. And with 23 million families adopting pets during the pandemic, vets’ stress burden is no doubt heavier now. http://dlvr.it/SNd02Z

Congress is in recess, so the slower-than-average news week gives us a chance to catch up on underreported topics, like Medicare’s coverage decision for the controversial Alzheimer’s disease drug Aduhelm and ominous new statistics on drug overdose deaths and sexually transmitted diseases. Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Joanne Kenen of Politico and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Plus, for extra credit, the panelists recommend their favorite health policy stories of the week they think you should read, too. http://dlvr.it/SNbTyB

Kentucky nurse Jacqueline Brewster is accused of tampering with opioids in Tennessee and West Virginia, possibly contaminating drugs given to hospital patients. http://dlvr.it/SNYgy0

President Joe Biden’s Cabinet members are fanning out across the county to promote benefits coming to rural America from covid relief and infrastructure legislation. http://dlvr.it/SNV51r

Congenital syphilis rates keep climbing, according to newly released federal data. But the primary funding source for most public health departments has been largely stagnant, its purchasing power dragged even lower by inflation. http://dlvr.it/SNRydz

Bucking the alarming spike in overall homicides in recent years, the homicide rate involving young children is down 70% in California from three decades ago. The nation has seen a parallel, albeit slower, decline. http://dlvr.it/SNQdrG

Becca Levy of Yale University talks with “Navigating Aging” columnist Judith Graham about how people can alter ingrained perceptions of aging — which are often formed unconsciously and are unrecognized. http://dlvr.it/SNMbkX

The company awarded the state’s Medi-Cal Rx contract was taken over by another company, Centene. That left the state with a contractor it didn’t pick — one that has been accused of overbilling nine other state Medicaid programs and is now under investigation by California. http://dlvr.it/SNBwxf

week to announce a new policy for the Affordable Care Act that would make subsidies available to more families with unaffordable employer coverage. Meanwhile, Congress struggled to find a compromise for continued federal funding of covid-19 vaccines, testing, and treatments. Tami Luhby of CNN, Shefali Luthra of The 19th, and Jessie Hellmann of CQ Roll Call join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. http://dlvr.it/SN99KG

About 50% of the covid-19 patients who got the last-ditch life support treatment at Vanderbilt University Medical Center died. Researchers wanted to know what happened to the many patients they had to turn away because ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) machines and the specialized staffers needed were in short supply. The grim answer: 90% of those turned away perished. http://dlvr.it/SN7QV8

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17),a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, highlighted the need to address teacher shortages and social determinants of health in a hearing on social and emotional learning in K-12 education.  WATCH: Bustos Pushes to Address Teacher Shortages, Social Determinants of Health During Appropriations Hearing  “Empty teacher positions impact our schools, […] The post Bustos Pushes to Address Teacher Shortages, Social Determinants of Health During Appropriations Hearing appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SN5pSn

WASHINGTON — This week, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17),Chair of the General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Subcommittee of the House Agriculture Committee, joined a committee hearing reviewing renewable energy opportunities in rural America. During the hearing, Bustos joined colleagues from the Midwest in promoting year-round E-15 to help reduce pain at the gas pump resulting from rising […] The post Bustos Pushes for Year-Round E-15 in Ag Committee Hearing appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SN5Cpm

Some doctors are getting licensed in multiple states so they can use telemedicine and mail-order pharmacies to provide medication abortions to more women. At the same time, states are cracking down on telemedicine abortions, blunting the efforts of out-of-state doctors. http://dlvr.it/SN3nY7

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) joined U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) to introduce bipartisan, bicameral resolutions to celebrate April as the Month of the Military Child. “To every child who has said goodbye to a parent during their service to our country or started at a new school due to a military move […] The post Bustos, Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Recognize the Month of the Military Child appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SN1s0Q

The former Tennessee nurse faces prison time for a fatal error. Reaction from her peers was swift and fierce on social media and beyond ― and it isn’t over. http://dlvr.it/SN06pX

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) joined her colleagues on the Congressional Biofuels Caucus in a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to prioritize homegrown, renewable biofuels as a replacement for Russian energy sources.  The letter comes after Congress banned the importation of Russian oil earlier this month. In their letter, the Members applauded the decision […] The post Bustos, Biofuels Caucus Urge Biden Administration to Prioritize Biofuels to Reduce Gas Prices appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SMxlCV

Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) are seeking to craft a compromise that members from both parties could accept. Their plan, still being ironed out, would not guarantee a specific limit on out-of-pocket costs but seeks to roll back insulin prices by barring rebate payments to pharmacy benefit managers. http://dlvr.it/SMwY5N

The United States is nearing 1 million deaths from covid — an almost incomprehensible number of lives lost that few thought possible when the pandemic began. Pennsylvania’s Mifflin County offers a snapshot into how one hard-hit community, with over 300 dead, is coping. http://dlvr.it/SMmM0K