This week at CBPP, we focused on COVID-19, health, Social Security, food assistance, and the economy.

• On COVID-19, Robert Greenstein stated that the new COVID-19 bill is helpful but inadequate, failing to deliver crucial state and local fiscal relief and food assistance. Michael Leachman explained why Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s argument against state fiscal relief doesn’t stand up. We updated our state budget watch series tracking state revenue shortfalls. Dottie Rosenbaum, Stacy Dean, and Zoë Neuberger made the case for boosting SNAP benefits in the next major economic response package. Jessica Schubel outlined how states can quickly expand Medicaid to provide coverage and financial security to millions. Matt Broaddus noted that Families First’s Medicaid funding boost is a useful first step, but far from enough. Samantha Jacoby warned that IRS deadlines threatened stimulus payments for 1 million dependents. Kathleen Romig and Kathleen Bryant stressed that policymakers should expand emergency paid leave in the next coronavirus package. Will Fischer explained that there is an urgent need for more housing vouchers and other rental assistance amid the pandemic. We also updated our fact sheet finding that most states are easing SNAP participation rules and providing added benefits in response to COVID-19.

• On health, Jennifer Wagner and Genevieve Gaudet urged states to remove barriers to SNAP and Medicaid access from remote identity proofing and improve users’ experience with online SNAP and Medicaid systems.

• On Social Security, Paul N. Van de Water stated that the 2020 Social Security and Medicare trustees’ reports do not reflect the effects of the pandemic and recession.

• On food assistance, we updated our report reviewing state governments’ SNAP websites.

• On the economy, we updated our backgrounder on how many weeks of unemployment compensation are available.

Chart of the Week — States Can Expand Medicaid Quickly and Provide Three Months of Retroactive Coverage for Enrollees

A variety of news outlets featured CBPP’s work and experts this past week. Here are some of the highlights:

Coronavirus has governors predicting big cuts in bid to balance their budgets
CBS News
April 24, 2020

'There Are Going to Be Layoffs.' State and Local Governments Brace for Cuts As Budget Crisis Looms
TIME
April 23, 2020

The case for a massive federal aid package for states and cities
Vox
April 22, 2020

Massive layoffs and pay cuts are likely coming to state and local governments as federal aid goes elsewhere
CNBC
April 22, 2020

States Are Being Crushed by the Coronavirus. Only This Can Help.
The New York Times
April 22, 2020

Social Security recipients with kids at home face Wednesday deadline for getting extra stimulus cash
CNN
April 21, 2020

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