Legislative Update: March 2, 2025
The deadline for bills to be heard in assigned committees in their house of origin is long past so all the bills that did not get a committee hearing are now dead (although there are resurrection pathways). This week was dominated by floor votes (called 3rd Read). Bills that successfully get approved on the floor votes then move over to the other chamber. Here’s a list of the public health
House Passes Budget Bill with Big Tax Cuts for the Wealthy: Medicaid & SNAP Likely on the Chopping Block
This week the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a budget bill that extends and expands the massive tax cuts for wealthy individuals first implemented in 2017. At the same time, the bill mandates $880 billion in spending cuts over the next decade. While the legislation does not specify which programs will be cut, it assigns the House Energy & Commerce Committee the task of deciding where the axe will
Public Health Journalism this Week
Why Musk cuts could affect AZ public health | 12news.com 4 Arizona counties have lower vaccination rates than Texas measles epicenter This Arizona health expert weighs in on the measles outbreak — and how contagious it is Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough and runny nose Here’s why Arizona is at high risk for a measles outbreak Map: Where Medicaid Enrollment in the U.S. Is the Highest – The
Measles Outbreaks & Wildfires: The Importance of Early Intervention
Measles outbreaks are like wildfires: both get out of control fast if they’re not immediately detected and managed. The surge of measles cases across nine counties in Texas (originating from a single first case in a community with low vaccination rates) highlights the critical need for immediate detection of early case(s) and immediate and effective interventions. Public health has several tools that can help stop a measles outbreak once –
RFK Jr. Already Taking Actions to Undermine Immunizations
Just days into his tenure as Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is already backtracking on ‘assurance’ he gave during his Senate confirmation. Despite pledging to uphold the integrity of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and not to interfere with childhood immunizations, Kennedy has already taken action to destabilize ACIP and evidence-based vaccine policy. The ACIP, a panel of independent experts, is instrumental in developing
Legal Remedies when the Trump Administration Ignores Federal Court Orders
Over the past several years, state attorneys general and nonprofit organizations have filed many lawsuits against Trump administration officials, challenging the legality and constitutionality of various agency and DOGE bro decisions and actions. In many cases, federal judges have issued preliminary injunctions or temporary restraining orders to halt abrupt policy changes and actions, like cuts to research funding or the withholding of grants and contracts. But what happens when Mr.