WinnDems News

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, announced that nearly $1.5 million in federal grants from the U.S Department of Education have been awarded to Highland Community College, Carl Sandburg College, Rock Valley College and Illinois Central College through the Upward Bound Grant Program.  “Our students deserve access to […] The post ROCKFORD, GALESBURG, FREEPORT, EAST PEORIA: Bustos Announces Nearly $1.5 Million for Students Pursuing Secondary Education appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SRN8YD

Preventive care, like screening colonoscopies, is supposed to be free of charge to patients under the Affordable Care Act. But some hospitals haven’t gotten the memo. http://dlvr.it/SRM4xy

Although identifying long covid in older adults can be tricky, experts say there are good strategies for getting medical advice and fighting the impact of the virus. http://dlvr.it/SRM4bJ

Even in deep-blue California, Democratic lawmakers pulled their proposed covid vaccine requirements before they had a vote. The lawmakers blamed the ebbs and flows of the coronavirus, the public’s short attention span, and opposition from public safety unions. http://dlvr.it/SRM4Y5

An aging population in need of regular cancer screenings has driven private equity companies, seeking profits, to invest in many gastroenterology practices and set up aggressive billing practices. Steep prices on routine tests are one consequence for patients. http://dlvr.it/SR8QTD

In California and beyond, physician trainees working long hours for what in some states amounts to little more than minimum wage are organizing to seek better pay, benefits, and working conditions. More than 1,300 of them at three L.A. County public hospitals will vote May 30 on whether to strike. http://dlvr.it/SR8QC5

Private equity companies are the house-flippers of the investment world, and they’ve found their way into many areas of our lives — including your local gastroenterologist's office. http://dlvr.it/SR8Q5q

Two mass shootings in two weeks — one at a Texas elementary school that killed 19 fourth graders and two teachers — have reignited the “guns-as-public-health-problem” debate. But political consensus seems as far away as ever. Meanwhile, the FDA is in the congressional hot seat over its handling of the infant formula shortage. Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico, Anna Edney of Bloomberg News, and Rachana Pradhan of KHN join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews Dr. Richard Baron, head of the American Board of Internal Medicine, about how doctors should discipline colleagues who spread medical misinformation. http://dlvr.it/SR6xcP

KHN checks back in with Dr. Taison Bell to pinpoint changes in health care equity since the rollout of the covid-19 vaccines. http://dlvr.it/SR58nt

A covid outbreak on a field trip. Another at prom. Yet administrators are reluctant to expose their schools to legal challenges by again requiring masks for students and staffers. That leaves parents fretful and confused. http://dlvr.it/SR58m4

The post Bustos Pushes for Teacher RETAIN Act appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SR3JLc

ROCKFORD — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded the Rockford Crusaders Central Clinic Association $1.6 million in grants through the Health Center Cluster Grant Program.  “Our local health centers have gone above and beyond to meet our […] The post ROCKFORD: Bustos Announces $1.6 Million for Crusaders Central Clinic Association appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SR38DJ

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced nearly $2 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Skip-A-Long Family and Community Services in Moline for Early Head Start programs. Congresswoman Bustos is a member of the powerful House Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees HHS. Head Start promotes school readiness for young […] The post MOLINE: Bustos Announces Nearly $2 Million in Federal Funding for Early Head Start appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SR389N

A Wyoming clinic slated to open this summer would be the only one in the state to provide procedural abortions and the closest option for some people in surrounding states. But its fate is uncertain now that the Supreme Court looks poised to strike down Roe v. Wade. http://dlvr.it/SR1fb3

The deadly synthetic opioid has spread across the nation during the pandemic, and the problem is disproportionately affecting Native Americans. http://dlvr.it/SR1fSQ

The Mashkiki Waakaa’igan Pharmacy in downtown Minneapolis gives Native Americans an economical option for filling prescriptions while being sensitive to tribal traditions and expectations. http://dlvr.it/SQy3jy

Research has long shown that doctors are less likely to respect patients who are overweight or obese — terms that now apply to nearly three-quarters of adults in the U.S. The Association of American Medical Colleges plans to roll out new diversity, equity, and inclusion standards aimed at teaching doctors, among other things, how to treat patients who are overweight with respect. http://dlvr.it/SQy3d4

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) published an op-ed in FOX Business on how expanding the production and availability of American biofuels can help lower fuel costs for families. Bustos is Chair of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management and an advocate for Illinois’ corn growers.  READ: 3 Ways Ethanol Brings Down […] The post BUSTOS IN FOX BUSINESS: “3 Ways Ethanol Brings Down Gas Prices” appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SQwQfw

People who have lost children to pills laced with fentanyl are demanding that lawmakers adopt stricter penalties and are pressuring Silicon Valley for social media protections. The movement harks back to the 1980s, when Mothers Against Drunk Driving activated a generation of parents. http://dlvr.it/SQtSQp

Mourners are wrapping caskets in imagery, similar to the way companies wrap logos around cars, trucks, and buses. Across the country, casket-wrap companies create custom designs, too often for grieving parents who have lost their children to gun violence. http://dlvr.it/SQtSMj

The nationwide shortage of baby formula, which has been simmering for months, finally burst into public consciousness as more parents become less able to find food for their babies, prompting a belated federal response. Meanwhile, covid-19 cases rise but prevention activities don’t, and abortion-rights backers ready their legal arsenal for a post-Roe world. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Tami Luhby of CNN, and Rachel Cohrs of Stat join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Plus, for extra credit, the panelists suggest their favorite health policy stories of the week they think you should read, too. http://dlvr.it/SQhgWw

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) voted to pass the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act to stop price gouging at the gas pump and bring down costs for families in Northwest and Central Illinois. “Big Oil is announcing record profits while families struggle to pay higher prices at the pump. This price gouging of American consumers is unconscionable,” said […] The post Bustos Votes to Crack Down on Fuel Price Gouging appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SQhR59

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) voted to pass two bipartisan bills to help families affected by the nationwide baby formula shortage. Through the Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act, Bustos voted to allocate $28 million to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to boost baby formula supply and prevent future shortages. And by passing the Access to Baby Formula Act […] The post Bustos Votes to Pass Two Bipartisan Bills Addressing Baby Formula Shortage appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SQh21s

Meigs County in Tennessee reported one of the highest covid-19 vaccination rates in the South for much of the past year. But those reports were wrong because of a data error that has surfaced in other states as well. http://dlvr.it/SQfxJB

Health data can be shockingly available. A group of nonprofits and corporations is proposing to patch up the holes in health apps, but many of the biggest companies didn’t participate in the proposal’s creation. http://dlvr.it/SQfgjN

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) voted to pass the bipartisan Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022,which would invest in our nation’s workforce development programs to address the job skills gap and help fill open positions in Northwest and Central Illinois. The bill included Bustos’ amendment to ensure that workers dislocated by automation are given access to […] The post Bustos Votes to Pass Bipartisan Workforce Development Legislation appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SQcXcb

WASHINGTON — Today, during a House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) highlighted the logistics role that Joint Munitions Command (JMC) – headquartered at the Rock Island Arsenal – is playing in Eastern Europe to support Ukraine. Experts from Joint Munitions Command have also been deployed to provide technical assistance to our allies in Eastern Europe. […] The post Bustos Highlights Rock Island Arsenal’s Role in Defending Ukraine appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SQcXbq

Millions of older adults are grappling with long covid, yet the impact on them has received little attention even though research suggests seniors are more likely to develop the poorly understood condition than younger or middle-aged adults. http://dlvr.it/SQb5RZ

Jessica Altman took over in March as executive director of California’s health insurance marketplace, which serves 1.8 million people. She warns that if Congress does not renew the tax credit enhancements that have made health plans more affordable, consumers will face significantly higher premiums, which could cause many to forgo coverage. http://dlvr.it/SQb54n

Is someone at home sick with covid-19? One simple but effective strategy for keeping the virus from spreading is to make your indoor air as much like the outdoors as possible. http://dlvr.it/SQb549

ROCKFORD — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, announced that more than $3.4 million in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development have been awarded to Rockford, Illinois. The grants will be used to develop housing as well as to address and prevent homelessness in the community. […] The post ROCKFORD: Bustos Announces More Than $3.4 Million in Federal Housing & Urban Development Grants appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SQT73G

ROCK ISLAND — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Project NOW an additional $1.6 million in federal funding for Head Start programs. Project NOW is a Community Action Agency serving Rock Island, Henry and Mercer counties in Illinois. […] The post QUAD-CITIES: Bustos Announces Another $1.6 Million in Federal Funding for Head Start Programs at Project NOW appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SQT6c9

ROCKFORD — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee,announced that the Biden Administration has awarded Rockford, Illinois, $3.9 million in grants to supplement the city’s Brownfield Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund. With these funds, the City of Rockford will expand loan and grant opportunities for property owners and communities to clean up […] The post ROCKFORD: Bustos Announces $3.9 Million to Tackle Polluted Brownfield Sites appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SQT6Yw

A year ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded states and local health departments $2.25 billion to help people of color and other populations at higher risk from covid. But a KHN review shows public health agencies across the country have been slow to spend it. http://dlvr.it/SQS6jF

Legislators are proposing an overhaul of California’s licensing system for nursing homes that would make it the most stringent in the country. They argue that disreputable and unlicensed owners and operators have harmed residents. The industry describes the proposed requirements as excessive. http://dlvr.it/SQRxLS

Hundreds of nurses gathered outside a Nashville courthouse to protest RaDonda Vaught’s prosecution for a medical mistake, and cheered when her probation sentence was announced. http://dlvr.it/SQKR79

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) released the following statement as the United States surpassed one million COVID-19 deaths.  “Over the last two years, our nation has faced unprecedented challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. Today we mark the loss of one million lives to this deadly virus.  “As we surpass this tragic milestone, I’m thinking of each […] The post Bustos Statement on One Million COVID-19 Deaths appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SQJqYk

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will reimburse many families up to $9,000 in funeral expenses for loved ones who died of covid-19. But fewer than half of eligible families have applied, while others have run into application problems. http://dlvr.it/SQHYgB

After a leaked Supreme Court draft opinion was published May 2 suggesting that Roe v. Wade would soon be overturned, social media users started worrying that their use of period-tracking apps could lead to trouble if they sought an abortion and lived in a state with strict limits or bans on the procedure. http://dlvr.it/SQHYch

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) voted to pass the bipartisan Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022 – a bill to improve access to workers’ compensation benefits for federal firefighters. “Firefighters put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our families safe – and those who become sick due to their service deserve our support,” said […] The post Bustos Votes to Improve Access to Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Federal Firefighters appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SQFrPD

Covid cases are again climbing, but you wouldn’t know it from the behavior of public health and elected officials, much less the general public, all of whom seem to want to put the pandemic in the rearview mirror. Meanwhile, the fallout over the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion on abortion continues even as the Senate fails — again — to muster the votes to write abortion rights into law. Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico, Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, and Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Plus, for extra credit, the panelists suggest their favorite health policy stories of the week they think you should read, too. http://dlvr.it/SQFl9G

Many public health workers are unable to see how many doses of Pfizer’s antiviral treatment are shipped to their communities and cannot tell whether vulnerable residents are filling prescriptions as often as their wealthier neighbors. http://dlvr.it/SQCqxz

Approximately 1 in 3 Americans 65 and older who completed their initial vaccination round still have not received a first booster shot. The numbers dismay researchers, who say the lag has cost tens of thousands of lives. http://dlvr.it/SQCqXX

The 2020 census undercounted people living on Native American reservations. The money for many needed federal aid programs is tied to those population numbers. http://dlvr.it/SQCqV2

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) helped to pass bipartisan legislation to provide an additional $40 billion in military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. This action by the House will be critical in helping the people of Ukraine defend their nation and democracy against continued Russian attacks. “As Russia continues its assault on the people of Ukraine, […] The post Bustos Votes for Additional Military & Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SQ9crX

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) joined Bloomberg TV’s David Westin on Balance of Power to discuss President Biden’s remarks on inflation and solutions to lower everyday costs for American families.  WATCH: Bustos Discusses Biofuels, Inflation and Helping Working Families “Biden’s taking his message to the American public.” ….. “There is a way to bring down the […] The post Bustos on Bloomberg TV: Biofuels, Inflation and Helping Working Families appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SQ9cp3

In Texas, where anyone can face a hefty fine of at least $10,000 if they abet an abortion, medical professionals on the front lines face tough quandaries when treating patients who have a miscarriage, a scenario that could soon play out around the country if abortion restrictions tighten. http://dlvr.it/SQ8CN8

Dana Nessel, the Democratic attorney general of Michigan, said she would not have the authority to keep county prosecutors from enforcing the old law. Nessel also discussed the “selective reduction” abortion she had when pregnant with triplets. http://dlvr.it/SQ8C3C

The Senate could start work this week on a bipartisan bill to make it much easier for veterans to get health care and benefits if they get sick from exposure to massive, open-air incineration pits in war zones. The legislation has gained minimal support among Senate Republicans, who say they are concerned about the cost and the ability of Veterans Affairs to handle such a large new mission. http://dlvr.it/SQ8Bzm

Travel nurse contracts that were plentiful and paid the temporary nurses far more than hospital staff nurses are vanishing. Hospitals nationwide are turning their energies to recruiting full-time people. http://dlvr.it/SQ4dst

Tulare County officials hope the region will soon be a testing ground for a new generation of technology in a centuries-old war: Human vs. Mosquito. http://dlvr.it/SQ4dpF

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) joined President Joe Biden at the White House to announce a new agreement between the Administration and internet providers to offer high-speed internet service to tens of millions of American families.  “As we do the hard work of ensuring that broadband cables reach every home in America, we’ve also got to make sure […] The post Bustos Joins President Biden to Announce Lower Internet Service Costs for Low-Income Americans appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SQ33Ph

Three years after a government site launched to connect Americans to treatment, finding addiction care is still a struggle. http://dlvr.it/SQ1RVl

After Texas limited transgender medical care for young people, patients are trying to figure out what’s next. http://dlvr.it/SQ1RS1

How different are the seemingly endless stream of emerging omicron subvariants from one another and how protected are we? http://dlvr.it/SPsQbz

Dictionaries, public comments, and even an old court case that involved underwear pricing could play a role as the government appeals a ruling that sharply limits federal authority during pandemics. http://dlvr.it/SPsQGg

In California, where overdose deaths are on the rise, physicians say administering anti-addiction medication as a monthly injection holds tremendous potential. So, why aren’t more patients getting it? http://dlvr.it/SPsQ9t

The unprecedented early leak of a Supreme Court draft opinion that would overturn the landmark abortion-rights ruling Roe v. Wade has heated the national abortion debate to boiling. Meanwhile, the FDA, after years of consideration, moves to ban menthol flavors in cigarettes and cigars. Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico, Shefali Luthra of the 19th, and Jessie Hellmann of CQ Roll Call join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Plus, Rovner interviews KHN’s Paula Andalo, who wrote the latest KHN-NPR “Bill of the Month” episode about a family whose medical debt drove them to seek care south of the border. http://dlvr.it/SPqkRh

Georgia may soon join a growing list of states decriminalizing the use of fentanyl testing strips. Bans of the strips — on the books in about half of states, experts say — stem from laws criminalizing drug paraphernalia adopted decades ago. But the testing devices are now recommended to help prevent overdose deaths. http://dlvr.it/SPp5DM

The last time Texas updated its sex education curriculum was in the '90s. Students will now learn about contraception and STIs — but not gender or consent. And parents must opt in to the classes for their children. http://dlvr.it/SPp58s

ROCKFORD — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee,announced that HomeStart, an organization based in Rockford and Freeport, will receive $176,000 in funding from NeighborWorks America to revitalize and sustain neighborhoods.  “Homes are at the heart of each and every one of our communities. And ensuring every family has access to […] The post Bustos Announces $176,000 in Federal Funding for HomeStart appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SPmW1p

If the Supreme Court affirms the leaked draft decision and overturns abortion rights, the effects would be sweeping in states where Republican-led legislatures have been eagerly awaiting the repudiation of a woman’s right to terminate a pregnancy. http://dlvr.it/SPjlSt

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) released the following statement on a leaked draft opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court that would overturn the longstanding Roe v. Wade precedent:  “In America, we don’t allow the government to come into our home and force a decision on us and our family. Yet that’s exactly what this draft opinion prepares to […] The post Bustos Statement on Leaked Supreme Court Opinion Draft appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SPjGDg

An opinion published by Politico confirms what many who have followed the abortion debate already suspected: Roe v. Wade is soon to be no more. But the question remains: How will the public respond? http://dlvr.it/SPjDZ5

Even the savviest Medicare drug plan shoppers can get a shock when they fill prescriptions: That great deal on medications is no bargain after prices go up. http://dlvr.it/SPgW48

A Massachusetts health care cost watchdog agency helped block plans of the state’s largest hospital system to expand into the suburbs. Now, other states are looking at whether Massachusetts’ decade-old model of controlling health costs is worth emulating. http://dlvr.it/SPgW3D

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced the winner and runners-up of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District. Each year, Bustos invites high school students from across Illinois’ 17th Congressional District to submit their original artwork for the annual Congressional Art Competition.  The first-place winner this year is Taylor Whitehall from Pekin Community High […] The post Bustos Announces Winner and Runners-Up of 2022 Congressional Art Competition appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SPdhz8

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement after the release of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emergency fuel waiver:  “With Putin’s war exacerbating record-high gas prices, I was pleased to see the EPA issue an emergency fuel waiver for E-15 gasoline sales throughout this summer. […] The post Bustos Statement on EPA Emergency Fuel Waiver for E15 Sales appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SPdN5g

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) outlining their concerns regarding unsafe working conditions for correctional officers who process mail for those incarcerated.  Last month, two prison workers were reportedly hospitalized following accidental exposure to […] The post Bustos, Durbin Press Bureau of Prisons to Prevent Accidental Drug Exposure Among Correctional Officers appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SPdN3L

A 124-year-old hospital in a midsize Rust Belt city in Indiana will soon be torn down, despite protests from residents and city officials decrying the loss of local health services. The Catholic hospital system said it is downsizing the 226-bed hospital because of a lack of demand for inpatient care, as the organization has been building new hospitals in wealthier suburbs. http://dlvr.it/SPcJxH

Starting May 1, low-income unauthorized immigrants over age 49 became eligible for full Medicaid health coverage, a significant milestone in California’s effort to expand coverage. http://dlvr.it/SPcJrg