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Amid a Pandemic, Trump Moves Forward With Safety Net Cuts Amid a Pandemic, Trump Moves Forward With Safety Net Cuts
(about 4 hours later)
WASHINGTON — Despite the worsening pandemic, the Trump administration is pushing ahead with tougher work requirements for food stamps, and so far has not offered states the opportunity to cover the uninsured on an emergency basis under Medicaid.WASHINGTON — Despite the worsening pandemic, the Trump administration is pushing ahead with tougher work requirements for food stamps, and so far has not offered states the opportunity to cover the uninsured on an emergency basis under Medicaid.
The coronavirus appears ready to upend the economic landscape, especially for low-wage workers who could face layoffs as restaurants and entertainment venues empty, travelers hunker down, and school systems close. But so far the administration has declined to change course on its efforts to shrink the social safety net.The coronavirus appears ready to upend the economic landscape, especially for low-wage workers who could face layoffs as restaurants and entertainment venues empty, travelers hunker down, and school systems close. But so far the administration has declined to change course on its efforts to shrink the social safety net.
The Agriculture Department completed its food-stamp rule in December, arguing that the strong economy and tight labor market made it appropriate to require that unemployed, able-bodied adults without children find work to continue receiving assistance. The department estimated that nearly 700,000 people would lose their benefits under the change to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps.The Agriculture Department completed its food-stamp rule in December, arguing that the strong economy and tight labor market made it appropriate to require that unemployed, able-bodied adults without children find work to continue receiving assistance. The department estimated that nearly 700,000 people would lose their benefits under the change to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps.
Democrats and anti-poverty groups pleaded this week for the department to suspend the rule.Democrats and anti-poverty groups pleaded this week for the department to suspend the rule.
“Enacting any such changes during this time will only exacerbate current economic anxiety and unnecessarily increase the burden on the very people who need assistance,” Representatives Sanford D. Bishop Jr., Democrat of Georgia, and Rosa DeLauro, Democrat of Connecticut, wrote in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue.“Enacting any such changes during this time will only exacerbate current economic anxiety and unnecessarily increase the burden on the very people who need assistance,” Representatives Sanford D. Bishop Jr., Democrat of Georgia, and Rosa DeLauro, Democrat of Connecticut, wrote in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue.
During a hearing of the House Appropriations Committee this week, Mr. Perdue said that flexibility had been built into the program’s work requirements.During a hearing of the House Appropriations Committee this week, Mr. Perdue said that flexibility had been built into the program’s work requirements.
“Obviously if your job says you can’t come to work, or you’re sick in that way,” he said, the work requirements would be suspended. The states will determine what counts as “good cause” to suspend the rule.“Obviously if your job says you can’t come to work, or you’re sick in that way,” he said, the work requirements would be suspended. The states will determine what counts as “good cause” to suspend the rule.
But experts say the “good cause” measure typically applies to people who are already meeting the work requirement and miss work because of an illness or transportation issues, not those who cannot find work.But experts say the “good cause” measure typically applies to people who are already meeting the work requirement and miss work because of an illness or transportation issues, not those who cannot find work.
Ed Bolen, a policy analyst at the liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, said the secretary could provide clarity by making clear that “due to a public health emergency or pandemic, states can either use blanket sorts of waivers or exempt people from the work requirement."Ed Bolen, a policy analyst at the liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, said the secretary could provide clarity by making clear that “due to a public health emergency or pandemic, states can either use blanket sorts of waivers or exempt people from the work requirement."
On Friday, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted a preliminary injunction to stop the food-stamp rule from going into effect. The decision came after fourteen states, New York City and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration in January to block the new rule, accusing the administration of doing an illegal end run around Congress.On Friday, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted a preliminary injunction to stop the food-stamp rule from going into effect. The decision came after fourteen states, New York City and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration in January to block the new rule, accusing the administration of doing an illegal end run around Congress.
In response to the pandemic, the White House and Congress are moving to pass legislation that would likely include enhanced unemployment benefits, free virus testing and additional funds for food assistance programs.In response to the pandemic, the White House and Congress are moving to pass legislation that would likely include enhanced unemployment benefits, free virus testing and additional funds for food assistance programs.
Complicating the Agriculture Department’s role, the agency also administers free and reduced-price meals at schools, thousands of which are closing. Mr. Perdue said his department is “working to ensure children who are affected by school closures continue to get fed.” It has granted waivers to California, Washington and Alaska that allows the states to serve meals to low-income children during school closures outside of a group setting while schools are closed. The waivers will be in place until June.Complicating the Agriculture Department’s role, the agency also administers free and reduced-price meals at schools, thousands of which are closing. Mr. Perdue said his department is “working to ensure children who are affected by school closures continue to get fed.” It has granted waivers to California, Washington and Alaska that allows the states to serve meals to low-income children during school closures outside of a group setting while schools are closed. The waivers will be in place until June.
The House coronavirus package included a provision that would increase food-stamp benefits to parents who have children that cannot receive meals at school because of closures.The House coronavirus package included a provision that would increase food-stamp benefits to parents who have children that cannot receive meals at school because of closures.
“Although it may be necessary to close schools, it is also imperative that we keep in mind that school meals are often the only meals some students receive daily,” said Representative Marcia L. Fudge, Democrat of Ohio and chairwoman of the House Agriculture Committee’s subcommittee on nutrition.“Although it may be necessary to close schools, it is also imperative that we keep in mind that school meals are often the only meals some students receive daily,” said Representative Marcia L. Fudge, Democrat of Ohio and chairwoman of the House Agriculture Committee’s subcommittee on nutrition.
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Ellen Vollinger, the food stamp director at the Food Research & Action Center, an advocacy organization, said the coronavirus outbreak presented a new challenge because it was a public health emergency and not a natural disaster.Ellen Vollinger, the food stamp director at the Food Research & Action Center, an advocacy organization, said the coronavirus outbreak presented a new challenge because it was a public health emergency and not a natural disaster.
“We know that low-income families have a lot of pressures on their budget, they are often trying to figure out how to pay for food, medicine, their rent, utilities and there is not a lot of extra room,” she said.“We know that low-income families have a lot of pressures on their budget, they are often trying to figure out how to pay for food, medicine, their rent, utilities and there is not a lot of extra room,” she said.
Medicaid could help poor Americans weather the pandemic, particularly some of the 27 million people lacking health insurance. Yet the Trump administration has not offered states the option of covering some of all of them during the outbreak, a move previous administrations made did during emergencies. President Trump’s emergency declaration could change that by allowing states to quickly receive certain waivers from the rules; such waivers could also streamline the often-burdensome process of enrolling people in Medicaid.Medicaid could help poor Americans weather the pandemic, particularly some of the 27 million people lacking health insurance. Yet the Trump administration has not offered states the option of covering some of all of them during the outbreak, a move previous administrations made did during emergencies. President Trump’s emergency declaration could change that by allowing states to quickly receive certain waivers from the rules; such waivers could also streamline the often-burdensome process of enrolling people in Medicaid.
In addition, the House relief package includes a provision that would temporarily increase the federal government’s share of spending on Medicaid. Washington typically covers about 60 percent of the cost, while states cover about 40 percent.In addition, the House relief package includes a provision that would temporarily increase the federal government’s share of spending on Medicaid. Washington typically covers about 60 percent of the cost, while states cover about 40 percent.
The federal government already pays much more of the cost — 90 percent — for millions of adults who became eligible for Medicaid over the last six years in 36 states that chose to expand the program under the Affordable Care Act. That generous federal share could help blunt the economic blow of the pandemic in those states.The federal government already pays much more of the cost — 90 percent — for millions of adults who became eligible for Medicaid over the last six years in 36 states that chose to expand the program under the Affordable Care Act. That generous federal share could help blunt the economic blow of the pandemic in those states.
Seema Verma, who oversees Medicaid in the Trump administration, has actively encouraged states to impose new work requirements on many recipients in recent years, rather than making it easier to enroll. Ms. Verma’s agency, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, released a statement Friday that said it was responding to requests and questions from states and “working to identify the fastest pathway to meeting their needs.Seema Verma, who oversees Medicaid in the Trump administration, has actively encouraged states to impose new work requirements on many recipients in recent years, rather than making it easier to enroll. Ms. Verma’s agency, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, released a statement Friday that said it was responding to requests and questions from states and “working to identify the fastest pathway to meeting their needs.
In 2005, the Bush administration allowed states to apply for a temporary expansion of Medicaid to people displaced by Hurricane Katrina just two weeks after the storm hit.In 2005, the Bush administration allowed states to apply for a temporary expansion of Medicaid to people displaced by Hurricane Katrina just two weeks after the storm hit.
“They should be using presumptive eligibility to expedite enrollment, and allow for changes to enrollment, redetermination, and cost-sharing policies that promote patients’ immediate access to care,” said Eliot Fishman, a senior director at the consumer group Families USA, who was a top Medicaid official in the Obama administration.“They should be using presumptive eligibility to expedite enrollment, and allow for changes to enrollment, redetermination, and cost-sharing policies that promote patients’ immediate access to care,” said Eliot Fishman, a senior director at the consumer group Families USA, who was a top Medicaid official in the Obama administration.