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Newsweek
2 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Most Republicans Enrolled in Medicaid 'Worried' About Funding Cuts—Poll
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. While Republicans in Congress have been pushing for major Medicaid cuts in the new budget, many Medicaid enrollees are worried about what this means for their health coverage — including those who identify as Republican. A new poll from KFF revealed that 76 percent of Republicans enrolled in Medicaid are worried about potential funding cuts. The survey also shows that 17 percent of Republicans identify as Medicaid enrollees. This didn't come as a surprise to experts who spoke with Newsweek. "Many of the heavily Republican-controlled states are often the highest per capita recipients of government assistance," Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. Why It Matters Republican lawmakers have advanced sweeping changes to Medicaid as part of their budget reconciliation package, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." The bill, which passed the House in late May 2025, proposes to cut over $700 billion in federal Medicaid spending, threatening coverage for millions of Americans. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that more than 10 million people could lose Medicaid coverage if the proposal becomes law. Beds and medical equipment are seen inside the US Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort while docked at the Port of Miami, Biscayne Bay, Miami, Florida on June 3, 2025. Beds and medical equipment are seen inside the US Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort while docked at the Port of Miami, Biscayne Bay, Miami, Florida on June 3, 2025. CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images What To Know Potential Medicaid reductions under the new legislation target several key areas, including the federal match for Medicaid expansion, spending caps, new work requirements, and more frequent eligibility checks. While the GOP viewpoint has historically been pro-Medicaid reductions, cuts at this level could significantly impact the nearly 80 million Americans who rely on the program for health insurance, including a significant number of Republicans. In the new KFF report, 76 percent of Republicans enrolled in Medicaid said they were worried about potential funding cuts. Additionally, more than a quarter of Medicaid enrollees are Republican, including one in five who identify with MAGA. "As a government program, Medicaid provides benefits to millions of Americans in 'red' and 'blue' states," Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek. "As such, it should come as no surprise a sizable number of Republicans either receive benefits from the program or know someone who does." The federal government currently pays 90 percent of Medicaid expansion costs, but proposed reductions would lower this rate, threatening financial stability for states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Changes could also introduce per-capita caps or block grants, limit the use of provider taxes to finance Medicaid, and roll back simplified enrollment rules implemented under President Biden. Together, these measures could force states to limit enrollment, reduce benefits, or impose new costs on enrollees. Republican leaders have tied these reductions to broader budget goals, including $4.5 trillion in tax cuts championed by former President Donald Trump. "Many of the heavily Republican-controlled states are often the highest per capita recipients of government assistance," Thompson told Newsweek. "That's not meant to be disingenuous—it simply shows where the power lies: with the wealthy who control the districts and seats in those regions. The truth is, people often vote for their party and don't believe these policies will ever impact them personally—until they do." House Republicans identified more than $880 billion in savings from Medicaid, with much of the debate focused on whether Medicaid should continue to support able-bodied adults without dependents, or remain narrowly focused on children, seniors, and people with disabilities. The bill would also restrict Medicaid funding for certain health care providers, such as Planned Parenthood, and prohibit federal matching funds for gender-affirming care for minors. Nationally, 54 percent of U.S. adults are worried that reductions in federal Medicaid spending would negatively impact their own or their family's ability to get and pay for health care, the KFF report found. "It's a wake-up call for anyone who thinks Medicaid is just a Democratic issue," Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of told Newsweek. "Medicaid isn't red or blue. It's the safety net stretched under millions of American families, including a significant slice of the GOP base." What People Are Saying Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "Over the last three election cycles, the Republican base has expanded far past the days of simply promoting tax cuts and has a large number of supporters who rely on programs like Medicaid for essential services. And while cuts to the program could occur, we've already seen blowback to any proposed reductions. That's more than likely because some Republican members of Congress know cuts could dramatically affect their reelection chances." Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of told Newsweek: "There's a real disconnect between the political talking points and reality. Many Republican voters may not realize just how much their communities (especially rural ones) depend on Medicaid to keep hospitals open and doctors in town. The myth that Medicaid is for 'someone else' is crumbling fast." Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "There will be a significant number of people kicked off the Medicaid program—either because they didn't submit their work requirements on time, were removed due to the rollback of Medicaid expansion, or simply no longer qualify." What Happens Next Ryan said if the cuts are enacted, rural hospitals will close, and working-class families will lose their health coverage. "The fallout will land squarely in the heart of Republican country," Ryan said. "You can't gut the safety net and expect your own voters to walk away unscathed." "Medicaid cuts are political dynamite. History shows voters punish politicians who take away health coverage. Just ask Missouri and Tennessee. If Republicans push too hard, they risk alienating their own base."
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
🗞️ The daily: Atlético unveil new kit, Messi loses his cool in MLS
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here. Here's a translation of your content: The must-know news summary for Monday, May 19. Farioli leaves Ajax 📸 MAURICE VAN STEEN Earthquake in the Netherlands: Francesco Farioli is leaving Ajax Amsterdam after spending just one season on the bench. The club explained his departure as a 'difference in vision.' More information to read here. The Ligue 1 Team of the Season 📸 FRANCK FIFE - AFP or licensors OneFootball reveals its Team of the Season. Ousmane Dembélé, Adrien Rabiot, and Bafodé Diakité have all been selected for this XI. More information to read here. Messi loses his cool in MLS 📸 CHANDAN KHANNA - AFP or licensors Lionel Messi expressed frustration with the refereeing in MLS after Inter Miami's 3-0 defeat to Orlando City. 'These are details, but it happens too often,' he notably said. More information to read here. Atlético's new kit ⚡️ Charged by Thunderstruck. Forged by lightning. Designed to strike. Our 25/26 Away Kit is here. — Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) May 19, 2025 The Colchoneros have unveiled their away kit for the 2025-26 season. A navy blue shirt with beautiful yellow accents. More information to read here. Did you keep up with the leagues this weekend? Test yourself on OneFootball. Benzema's comment to Mbappé 📸 BERTRAND GUAY Prime Video's Instagram account compared Karim Benzema's 2021-22 season (27 goals) to Kylian Mbappé's 2024-25 season (28 goals). It's a comparison that the Ballon d'Or winner clearly didn't particularly appreciate. More information to read here. Also to read: - OL: A little gift from the DNCG to Textor? - The shameful streak that Real Madrid finally managed to break - 🏴 Scotland reveals its squad for the June friendlies 📸 CHANDAN KHANNA - AFP or licensors
Newsweek
30-04-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Are People in Mississippi Really Richer Than People in Europe?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Many are feeling the brunt of inflation and larger economic turmoil as economists debate whether the U.S. is in a recession. However, income levels reveal a surprising trend among Americans and their European counterparts. Even some of the poorest Americans might be technically richer than the average European. Looking at 2022 data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis on states' average disposable income and European countries' average disposable income per household for the same year, according to the World Population Review, the United States' average was higher than even the wealthiest European country, Luxembourg. While the U.S. average disposable income for 2022 was $51,147, per the World Population Review, Luxembourg, the most well-off European country, brought in an average of just $44,773. All other European countries had an average far below that. Water floods a road near the marina hours before Hurricane Sally makes landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast in Pascagoula, Mississippi, on September 15, 2020. Water floods a road near the marina hours before Hurricane Sally makes landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast in Pascagoula, Mississippi, on September 15, 2020. CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images Why It Matters Americans are up against some major financial hurdles as inflation is at 2.4 percent and the housing market remains out of reach for many. Federal student loan borrowers will see their default payments reported to creditors once again starting in May, and average salaries for some of the most common college majors like social science are declining, according to recent reports. Disposable income by state and European country reveals Americans could theoretically have more purchasing power even amid these financial concerns, but experts say this is misleading for the greater economic conditions at work in the U.S. and in Europe. What To Know The average U.S. disposable income for 2022 was $51,147, almost $10,000 higher than the top European country, Luxembourg, at $44,773, according to World Population Review. Other countries, like Germany and Belgium, saw lower average disposable income of between $34,000 and $38,000. Even some of the poorest states in the U.S., like Mississippi, had higher average disposable income than Europeans, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Mississippi, the poorest state, had an average of $42,762, still higher than the majority of European countries, expect Luxembourg. Richer states like Massachusetts saw a whopping average disposable income of $69,047, far exceeding any European country reviewed by World Population. However, experts say these statistics may be misleading because of the extent of the government-provided social services that Europeans rely on, while Americans pay higher premiums on health care and car transportation on average. Ryan McMaken, an executive editor at the Mises Institute who wrote a piece on U.S. states with a higher income than all European countries in 2018, acknowledged that income "isn't the only measure of prosperity," but "it is an important one." "Although some interventionists would like to portray the US as an economic basket case where only the super-wealthy prosper," McMaken wrote in his 2018 article, "the numbers simply don't bear this out. This doesn't prove the US and other wealthy relatively libertarian countries [such as Switzerland] as flawless. But the data hardly supports crude theories that a little more government spending will pave the way to economic prosperity." The numerical value of Americans' disposable income does not reflect the full picture of what Americans are up against financially, Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek. "The social services of many of our European nation counterparts are vastly wider and paid prior to take-home pay," Beene said. "While on paper the dollar amount may be higher, many Americans are having to use that disposable income for charges those living in other countries may not have to contend with." What People Are Saying Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "It's almost impossible to meaningfully compare a country like Japan, with 124 million people, to a small state like Mississippi with just 3 million people. There's no logical way to square that, but plenty of people still try.... "The 'perception' of higher disposable income comes from the way Americans are forced to spend money out-of-pocket on things those other countries fund through taxes and social programs. If I'm paying 50 percent in taxes elsewhere but get real benefits like public transportation through infrastructure spending, pensions for retirement and universal healthcare, then sure, it looks like taxes are higher, but the costs are bundled differently." Ryan McMaken, an executive editor at the Mises Institute, told Newsweek: "Contrary to what Europeans think, the United States is home to a huge welfare state and many millions of Americans receive income through social benefits programs. When we look at total spending on social benefits as a percentage of GDP, the US is comparable to many other European-style welfare states.... "When Europeans see numbers and comparisons like these, they often claim that there can be no comparison because in the European mind, the US is a land of terrible inequality and social Darwinism fueled by a lack of any social benefits. They're wrong about the social benefits—which also include huge income transfers through programs like Medicare and Medicaid." Catherine Wilson, CEO of United Way of Greater Newark, told Newsweek: "In the states, where it may appear that Americans have more disposable income, they actually have less assets because in those same states, the cost of housing, child care, etc., is more. "Americans might have more liquidity on hand, but they are using that cash for the same services at higher costs. That's why people earning six figures in cities like New York or San Francisco still feel like they're barely getting by—their income is absorbed by systems that don't support basic affordability." Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "Often, the comparison of states to European countries is made to demonstrate for political arguments either how great America has it or how far it is behind its Western peers in different areas. The reality is these comparisons aren't always fair. Yes, even some of the poorest American states rival or exceed the disposable income levels of other countries." What Happens Next While in America, people tend to take home more on paper, they also pay directly for health care, retirement savings and cars, which often brings along significant debt, Thompson said. That debt is likely to remain higher than Europeans on average in the coming years. "When you factor in those real-world costs, the "disposable income" advantage all but disappears," Thompson said. "Higher disposable income doesn't feel real when your paycheck has to cover things others receive through public programs. In the U.S., much of what Europeans fund through taxes, we fund through personal debt."
Newsweek
29-04-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Florida Tourism Change Sparks Warning: 'Sounding the Alarm'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Florida's tourism industry leaders are raising concerns over proposed legislation that could dismantle the existing tourism promotion infrastructure. Newsweek reached out to state Rep. Monique Miller, one of the sponsors of the bill, via email on Tuesday. Why It Matters Florida's tourism industry is one of the largest drivers of the state's economy, generating billions in tax revenue and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. Industry leaders are warning that redirecting funding away from tourism promotion could reduce visitor numbers and weaken a vital stream of income for the state. What To Know In Florida the Tourist Development Tax, a levy collected from visitors staying at short-term rentals, has traditionally been used to fund local tourism marketing efforts through Tourist Development Councils. However, two new bills—House Bill 1221 and House Bill 7033—aim to dissolve the Tourist Development Councils and instead redirect the tax revenue to offset property taxes. Tourists relax on the beach in Miami Beach, Florida, on March 18, 2020. Florida's tourism industry is raising concerns over proposed legislation that could affect the industry. Tourists relax on the beach in Miami Beach, Florida, on March 18, 2020. Florida's tourism industry is raising concerns over proposed legislation that could affect the industry. CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images Under HB 1221, counties would have to reapprove their Tourist Development Tax every eight years or lose it, making funding for tourism promotion more unstable or uncertain. Supporters of the proposal argue that shifting the revenue toward property tax relief would ease the financial burden on residents. But tourism industry leaders warn that cutting funding for tourism promotion could hurt the industry and threaten a critical source of income for the state. One industry leader said they are "sounding the alarm" over the bill, while another said the changes could put Florida's tourism economy "on a never-ending treadmill of uncertainty." What People Are Saying Robert Skrob, executive director of the Florida Attractions Association, said: "For weeks, we've been sounding the alarm about House Bill 1221 by Representative Monique Miller (R)—a proposal that would force all Tourist Development Taxes (TDTs) to expire every eight years, placing Florida's tourism economy on a never-ending treadmill of uncertainty." He added that a new amendment "not only maintains the damaging 8-year sunset provision—it completely eliminates the ability of counties to use TDTs for their intended purpose: promoting tourism." Milton Segarra, President and CEO of Discover The Palm Beaches, said: "If we disrupt that balance to the level of what this particular legislation is proposing, to really defund this model, it will have very negative impacts, including the loss of thousands of jobs, not only here in Palm Beach County, but across the state." Rep. Monique Miller told the House State Affairs Committee: "Tourists flock here to spend their money. This bill gives local governments more control over these taxes and the power to use tax revenues to make Florida more affordable for its residents." "People are losing their homes. We have to bring them relief. This is a way to bring them immediate relief." What Happens Next The proposal has been passed by the state House and now faces deliberation by the state Senate. Tourism industry leaders are likely to continue lobbying against the bills and warning lawmakers about the long-term economic risks.
Forbes
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Earth Day: A Journey Towards Mobility Equity And Environmental Justice
Wetlands are seen on Earth Day at Everglades National Park, Florida, April 22, 2024. (Photo by ... More CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images) Earth Day (April 22nd), represents a movement, a commitment to fostering sustainable practices and making mindful choices that respect our planet and its inhabitants. As we celebrate the progress made since the inception of Earth Day over five decades ago, we must reflect on the work that remains ahead in transportation, clean technology, equity, and environmental justice. When Earth Day was first recognized in 1970, it ignited a global dialogue about environmental protection. Fast forward to today, and we are witnessing an unprecedented evolution in how we approach mobility. The advent of sustainable transportation solutions, such as electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous vehicles (AVs), and drone technology, has transformed the automotive landscape and our collective mindset towards environmental stewardship. Electric vehicles have become synonymous with the future of sustainable transportation, significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions. With advancements in battery technology and increasing accessibility, EVs represent our commitment to cleaner air and a reduced carbon footprint. However, the production and disposal of batteries pose environmental challenges that must be addressed with responsible governance and innovative recycling solutions. Autonomous vehicles further illustrate the intersection of technology and environmental justice. By optimizing traffic flow and reducing congestion, AVs can lower emissions. Nonetheless, ensuring equitable access to these innovations is crucial. Technologies must not only benefit affluent communities but be designed inclusively, advocating for policies that support underserved areas in adopting AV technology. Moreover, the electrification of transportation must extend beyond personal vehicles. Public transit systems are crucial in reducing urban congestion and emissions, yet many still rely on fossil fuels. Transforming buses, trains, and other forms of mass transit into electric options can reduce operating costs while improving air quality. Governments must invest in the infrastructure necessary to support this transition, making it easier for communities to access reliable and sustainable public transportation. NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 04: A view of electric air taxi on display at Grand Central ... More Station's Vanderbilt Hall in New York, United States on October 04, 2024. California-based Joby Aviation unveiled and showed off its electric air taxia small, five-seat helicopter with numerous rotorsat an event in New York City. Toyota invested $894 million into the project along with other companies such as Delta and Uber. (Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images) The Role of Drones and Vertiports in Future Mobility As we look to the future of urban transportation, drones and vertiports emerge as essential components. Drones have the potential to revolutionize logistics and personal mobility, providing efficient alternatives to traditional ground transportation. They can facilitate quick deliveries, reduce road congestion, and enhance emergency response services, further contributing to cleaner city environments. Vertiports, the takeoff and landing sites for drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, are vital for integrating aerial mobility into urban infrastructure. By developing vertiports within cities, we can create a network that streamlines transportation, connecting people to destinations more efficiently than ever before. The importance of vertiports and drones in the future of mobility cannot be overlooked. As urban areas become increasingly congested, the need for innovative transport solutions becomes more pressing. Drone technology has the potential to provide efficient delivery services, reduce traffic, and lower emissions. However, as we embrace these advancements, we must also prioritize environmental protection and responsible land usage to minimize their impact on ecosystems. With these advancements come environmental concerns. The energy consumption associated with drone flights, coupled with noise pollution, raises questions about their sustainability in urban environments. Ensuring that vertiports are developed with sustainable practices, such as utilizing renewable energy sources, is crucial to minimize their environmental footprint. Moreover, land use must be a consideration. The siting of vertiports must carefully balance the need for urban mobility with the protection of natural habitats and communities. As cities adopt aerial mobility solutions, it is imperative to engage with stakeholders to ensure that these developments do not disproportionately affect underrepresented communities. ASHBURN, VIRGINIA - JULY 17: In an aerial view, the IAD71 Amazon Web Services data center is shown ... More on July 17, 2024 in Ashburn, Virginia. Northern Virginia is the largest data center market in the world, according to a report this year cited in published accounts, but is facing headwinds from availability of land and electric power. (Photo by) The Role of Data Centers in Automotive Technology A critical element of the modern automotive industry lies in data centers, which support the vast amount of data generated by connected vehicles. These facilities are pivotal for processing data from various sources such as navigation, traffic management, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, and driver behavior analysis. Efficient data processing can facilitate smarter and safer driving experiences. However, the rise of data centers comes with environmental repercussions. Data centers consume substantial amounts of energy, contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions. The challenge lies in balancing the demand for high computing capabilities with the necessity for sustainable energy sources. Many data centers are transitioning to renewable energy to mitigate their carbon footprints, yet the overall impact remains significant. Furthermore, as the automotive industry increasingly embraces artificial intelligence and machine learning for autonomous driving, the data requirements will escalate, potentially leading to greater energy consumption. Industry leaders must prioritize energy-efficient technologies and advocate for sustainable practices within their data infrastructure. Public transit systems play a vital role in reducing urban congestion and emissions, yet many still rely on fossil fuels. Transforming buses and trains into electric options can improve air quality. Investment in infrastructure should prioritize not just technological upgrades, but also equitable access to these services. As we delve deeper into these issues, it's essential to acknowledge the organizations that guide our understanding of environmental justice. Numerous organizations provide valuable resources for this, including the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) the Greenlining Institute the NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Program, the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Environmental Justice These organizations offer research, reports, and advocacy efforts that highlight the intersections of environmental issues and social justice. In exploring these critical topics, it's essential to remember that transportation is mobility, and mobility is freedom™—a concept that emphasizes the vital role of equitable access in ensuring a just and sustainable future for all communities. There is a substantial role for businesses as well. Embracing sustainable practices can significantly enhance a company's growth and profitability. Rather than limiting revenue potential, these innovations can open new avenues for business. Companies that invest in green technologies and prioritize equity often find themselves gaining a competitive edge, attracting customers who are increasingly passionate about sustainability. By building a reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking organization, businesses can expand their customer base and foster loyalty, driving both sales and market share. In this way, environmental stewardship and profitability can go hand in hand, ushering in a future where economic growth aligns with social responsibility. Earth Day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to champion sustainable practices, advocate for equity in mobility, and strive for environmental justice. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges we face as well as a call to action - for everyone, including businesses, to contribute positively to our planet. By advocating for equity in mobility and embracing sustainable practices, we pave the way for a more just and environmentally friendly future. The journey is long, but by reflecting on our collective responsibilities we can create a world that thrives not just economically, but also socially and ecologically. Together, we can ensure not just an Earth Day but a healthier planet for generations to come.
