Dear John,

In case you missed it... this week the Voices for Human Needs blog examined the prospects of still-more Medicaid expansion at the state level and reported on a fundamental flaw in Puerto Rico's Nutrition Assistance Program that needs fixing. In addition, we looked at tension in the Midwest over efforts to resettle refugees. Please share!

This week on the blog...

Will Kansas become the 37th state to opt in to Medicaid expansion?
Jan. 14
Kansas could become the 37th state in the U.S. to opt for Medicaid expansion, good news for as many as 150,000 residents of the Jayhawk State who would have improved access to medical coverage – and the peace of mind and economic security that comes with it. More states could be on the horizon: Advocates in Oklahoma already have gathered – and had certified – enough signatures to qualify a ballot measure on Medicaid expansion for the November 2020 election; advocates in Missouri are attempting a similar ballot measure -- they have until May to gather and submit signatures. READ MORE »

Federal refugee policy creates tension in the Midwest
Jan. 15
Tense debates have surfaced in the upper Midwest over whether to accept refugees at the local level. Local governments were given the authority to choose in an order signed by President Donald Trump. In response to the order, Gov. Tony Evers issued a letter affirming Wisconsin's support of refugees. But at the county level, some of the debate has been more nuanced, including whether there should be caps on numbers of refugees. READ MORE »

Why nutrition assistance in Puerto Rico needs an overhaul
Jan. 17
When Hurricane Maria slammed into the U.S. Virgin Islands in September 2017, it took roughly six weeks for low-income islanders to begin receiving emergency nutrition assistance. But when that same hurricane devastated Puerto Rico, similar emergency assistance did not begin to flow until six months after the storm’s landfall. Why the difference? Puerto Rico’s Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) is that island’s version of SNAP, which exists in all 50 states plus some of the U.S. territories. But NAP is different -- unlike SNAP, it does not have the flexibility to respond to natural disasters such as hurricanes -- or, more recently, earthquakes. READ MORE »

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