Latest news with #GOP-controlled
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Well, we all are going to die': U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst defends Medicaid cuts at heated town hall
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst held a town hall at Aplington-Parkersburg High School in Parkersburg May 30, 2025. (Screenshot via C-SPAN) PARKERSBURG — At a sometime raucous town hall meeting Friday morning, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst faced vocal opposition on her support for spending cuts to programs such as Medicaid and SNAP. Like many other Republican lawmakers holding events with constituents throughout the country, Ernst faced a crowd at the Aplington-Parkersburg High School who were upset with decisions made by President Donald Trump and the GOP-controlled Congress — particularly as they relate to funding for health care and food assistance programs included in the 'big, beautiful' budget reconciliation bill that narrowly passed the U.S. House earlier in May. Though Ernst said the Senate would make changes to the measure and advance their own version of the legislation, she defended reductions in spending for Medicaid at the town hall, saying the changes will not impact people in need but will remove from the program 'illegals that are receiving Medicaid benefits' and able-bodied adults who are not working. 'People will die,' a woman shouted at the stage as Ernst answered one of several questions about the cuts. 'People are not — well, we all are going to die, so for heaven's sake,' Ernst said in a response that was met by further shouts and jeering from the crowd. Ernst said she agrees with most of the provisions on Medicaid included in the House version of the budget reconciliation bill, saying that it was targeted at changes to the public health care program that 'made it much easier to get onto Medicaid, but much tougher to take people off of Medicaid.' Ernst said many people on Medicaid currently are working full-time and have access to other benefits. 'What we have to do is make sure that those that are not eligible by the federal standard for Medicaid are not receiving Medicaid,' Ernst said. 'What we do need to do is make sure that those that are part of a vulnerable population have access to Medicaid and receive those full benefits. So what we're trying to do is strengthen Medicaid by directing the dollars to the people that actually meet the requirements of the program.' It its House form, the bill includes a $625 billion reduction in federal spending for Medicaid over 10 years, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. It also includes 80-hour-per-month work requirements for people between ages 19 and 65 to continue receiving Medicaid health coverage, with several exceptions for people with disabilities and complex medical conditions, pregnant people, tribal community members and parents of dependent children. Elizabeth Kehret, who works for Lutheran Services in Iowa, said she was troubled by the potential impact of Medicaid cuts for pregnant woman, saying that she was previously enrolled on Medicaid during her four pregnancies before the state revuised eligibility for postpartum coverage, changing it from families with incomes of 375% of the federal poverty line to those at 215% of the federal poverty line. Kehret said she was concerned the federal Medicaid spending cuts would cause similar cuts for care in states across the country, meaning pregnant people, who may also have private health coverage, will struggle to pay for the medical care required both before and after their child is born. 'I heard you say earlier about people who work full time but still get Medicaid — yeah,' Kehret said. 'I meet with dozens of women who have dual enrollment, where they have private insurance as well as Medicaid, and it helps cover the things that their private insurance doesn't, or that high deductible. … Medicaid is extremely important to the smallest and most vulnerable population in Iowa.' Ernst said there were provisions to allow continued Medicaid coverage for pregnant people in the House bill. 'Because you are part of that vulnerable population, we want to make sure that you have access to Medicaid,' Ernst said. 'So you will hear examples of those like the able-bodied, 30-year-old man who is taking advantage of the program, not working. What we're asking is that please engage in work activities, engage in volunteer activities, be enrolled in a training program, and then that makes you Medicaid eligible.' Similar concerns were brought up about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, that provides food assistance to low-income individuals. Under the House budget plan, some costs of SNAP would be moved to the states, in addition to adding other work requirements. Ernst said the House bill is correcting 'overpayments' from states on SNAP, in addition to removing 'people that have not been eligible for these programs by law as it is currently written' from public assistance. Several veterans also spoke at the event, criticizing Republicans and Elon Musk's DOGE Service for cuts to veterans' assistance programs and cuts to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In response, Ernst said, 'We're not cutting veterans benefits.' Several veterans have been outspoken about changes made by DOGE to the VA, including the cut of roughly 2,400 VA jobs in early March. Ernst has been a major supporter of DOGE and efforts to make government more 'efficient,' saying Republicans and Musk are focused on removing areas of unnecessary spending and 'streamlining' existing programs and services. Ernst highlighted the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an entity that can be made more efficient through DOGE efforts in response to a question on federal support following natural disasters. 'Department of Government Efficiency … the E is not about elimination, it is about efficiency,' Ernst said. 'So how can we do better as a federal government to respond to the people on the ground?'
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Texas push to ban minors under 18 from social media fades with time running out
HighlightsA proposed bill in Texas aiming to ban social media accounts for children under 18 faced a setback as lawmakers did not take a crucial vote before the legislative session deadline. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has yet to publicly announce his stance on the social media ban, which has faced opposition from technology trade groups and critics who argue it infringes on free speech rights. The proposed Texas measure is part of a broader national trend, with various states and countries implementing laws to regulate social media access for minors amid growing concerns about its impact on children's mental health. A push in Texas to ban social media accounts for children under 18 faded Thursday after lawmakers did not take a key vote on creating one of the nation's toughest restrictions aimed at keeping minors off platforms such as TikTok , Snapchat and Instagram . The bill, which already passed the GOP-controlled state House, aims to go further than a Florida social media ban for minors under 14. Australia banned social media accounts for anyone under 16. But earlier momentum behind the Texas measure slowed at the eleventh hour in the state Senate as lawmakers face a weekend deadline to send bills to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. Abbott has not said publicly whether he supported the proposed ban, which was opposed by tech trade groups and critics who called it it an unconstitutional limit on free speech. "This bill was the best way to protect children in this state," state Rep. Jared Patterson, a Republican carrying the measure, said Wednesday. The legislative session ends Monday. That leaves a narrowing path for the proposal that, if passed, would set up another test of state efforts to set boundaries on how and when children can access social media. Many tech companies have established a presence in Texas, including X, which is owned by Elon Musk. Earlier this week, Abbott signed into law a separate measure requiring Apple and Google to verify the age of online app store users, as well as parental consent to download apps and make in-app purchases for users under 18. Utah passed a similar bill earlier this year. The proposed Texas ban aimed at minors is the latest move in a growing bipartisan push nationwide to address the impacts of social media on the well-being of children. Critics accuse platforms of using addictive functions to lure children onto their site and keep them there, and of not doing enough to curb violent or age-inappropriate content, or online abuse. Nearly half of American teenagers say they are online "constantly" despite concerns about the effects of social media and smartphones on their mental health, according to a December 2024 report published by the Pew Research Center. The American Psychological Association has called on tech companies and lawmakers to protect children's mental health, arguing that social media platforms are "particularly risky" to young people who cannot disengage from sites and struggle with impulse control. States and countries have passed various measures to address the problem, and some have run into legal challenges. A federal judge in 2024 temporarily blocked Utah's first-in-the-nation law requiring social media companies to check the ages of all users and place restrictions on accounts belonging to minors. California, which is home to some of the largest tech companies in the world, will make it illegal for social media platforms to knowingly provide addictive feeds to children without parental consent starting in 2027. And New York state allows parents to block their kids from getting social media posts suggested by a platform's algorithm.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
8 stories that highlight enforcement and gaps in NC firearms laws
Stories by News & Observer journalists, with AI summarization North Carolina continues to debate concealed carry permit requirements, as several Senate and House bills move to permitless carry and lower age thresholds for firearm possession. Cases reveal enforcement gaps, such as minors charged with possessing firearms or using stolen guns in violent incidents, as seen in the shooting at a state trooper during a high-speed chase. Stories of domestic violence highlight loopholes—one man, barred from gun ownership by court order, still acquired firearms and fatally attacked his ex-wife's boyfriend. Discussions also surface around expanding who can carry on school campuses, with recent legislation passed that lets private schools authorize armed teachers or volunteers. Together, these cases show both active enforcement and persistent holes in the laws that can impact communities. The danger is not just to victims, according to a key study, 'Deadly Calls and Fatal Encounters.' | Published January 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tammy Grubb Kristen Johnson Antonio Rodrigues, 70, had previously been convicted of felony stalking in two North Carolina counties, court records show. | Published January 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Lexi Solomon It all began Saturday when hots were fired at a state trooper chasing teenagers in a stolen car going over 100 mph. | Published January 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by staff reports Legislation to allow so-called permitless carry could move forward this session after previously stalling in the GOP-controlled General Assembly. | Published February 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Avi Bajpai One shot hit a 15-year-old in the head, deputies say | Published March 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mark Price The bill, which could be headed to the Senate floor soon, notably has the backing of Senate leader Phil Berger this year. | Published March 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Avi Bajpai The bill passed along party lines, but not before Democrats successfully amended it to add benefits for slain police officers and their families. | Published March 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Avi Bajpai GOP lawmakers say concealed weapons will provide deterrence against shooters. Democratic lawmakers said they will make schools less safe. | Published May 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by T. Keung Hui The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Texas lawmakers fail to pass ban on social media for those under 18
A push in Texas to ban social media accounts for children under 18 has failed after lawmakers did not take a key vote on creating one of the nation's toughest restrictions aimed at keeping minors off platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram. The bill, which already passed the GOP-controlled state House, sought to go further than a Florida social media ban for minors under 14. Australia banned social media accounts for anyone under 16. The legislative session ends Monday and early momentum behind the Texas measure slowed at the eleventh hour in the state Senate as lawmakers face a weekend deadline to send bills to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. Abbott has not said publicly whether he supported the proposed ban, which was opposed by tech trade groups and critics who called it it an unconstitutional limit on free speech. 'There was no bill filed this session that would have protected more kids in more ways than this one,' state Rep. Jared Patterson, a Republican carrying the measure, said Thursday. In a post on the social media platform X, Patterson blamed pushback from unnamed 'billionaires' as part of the reason for the bill's failure. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a Republican who controls the state Senate, said Wednesday before the deadline he did not know if the bill had the support needed to pass the GOP-controlled chamber, and it was ultimately never brought up for a vote. Patterson said he'll try again when the Texas Legislature meets in 2027. Many tech companies have established a presence in Texas, including X, which is owned by Elon Musk. Earlier this week, Abbott signed into law a separate measure requiring Apple and Google to verify the age of online app store users, as well as parental consent to download apps and make in-app purchases for users under 18. Utah passed a similar bill earlier this year. The proposed Texas ban aimed at minors was the latest move in a growing bipartisan push nationwide to address the impacts of social media on the well-being of children. Critics accuse platforms of using addictive functions to lure children onto their site and keep them there, and of not doing enough to curb violent or age-inappropriate content, or online abuse. Nearly half of American teenagers say they are online 'constantly' despite concerns about the effects of social media and smartphones on their mental health, according to a December 2024 report published by the Pew Research Center. The American Psychological Association has called on tech companies and lawmakers to protect children's mental health, arguing that social media platforms are 'particularly risky' to young people who cannot disengage from sites and struggle with impulse control. States and countries have passed various measures to address the problem, and some have run into legal challenges. A federal judge in 2024 temporarily blocked Utah's first-in-the-nation law requiring social media companies to check the ages of all users and place restrictions on accounts belonging to minors. California, which is home to some of the largest tech companies in the world, will make it illegal for social media platforms to knowingly provide addictive feeds to children without parental consent starting in 2027. And New York state allows parents to block their kids from getting social media posts suggested by a platform's algorithm.
Mint
a day ago
- Business
- Mint
Texas lawmakers fail to pass ban on social media for those under 18
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A push in Texas to ban social media accounts for children under 18 has failed after lawmakers did not take a key vote on creating one of the nation's toughest restrictions aimed at keeping minors off platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram. The bill, which already passed the GOP-controlled state House, sought to go further than a Florida social media ban for minors under 14. Australia banned social media accounts for anyone under 16. You may be interested in The legislative session ends Monday and early momentum behind the Texas measure slowed at the eleventh hour in the state Senate as lawmakers face a weekend deadline to send bills to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. Abbott has not said publicly whether he supported the proposed ban, which was opposed by tech trade groups and critics who called it it an unconstitutional limit on free speech. 'There was no bill filed this session that would have protected more kids in more ways than this one,' state Rep. Jared Patterson, a Republican carrying the measure, said Thursday. In a post on the social media platform X, Patterson blamed pushback from unnamed 'billionaires' as part of the reason for the bill's failure. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a Republican who controls the state Senate, said Wednesday before the deadline he did not know if the bill had the support needed to pass the GOP-controlled chamber, and it was ultimately never brought up for a vote. Patterson said he'll try again when the Texas Legislature meets in 2027. Many tech companies have established a presence in Texas, including X, which is owned by Elon Musk. Earlier this week, Abbott signed into law a separate measure requiring Apple and Google to verify the age of online app store users, as well as parental consent to download apps and make in-app purchases for users under 18. Utah passed a similar bill earlier this year. The proposed Texas ban aimed at minors was the latest move in a growing bipartisan push nationwide to address the impacts of social media on the well-being of children. Critics accuse platforms of using addictive functions to lure children onto their site and keep them there, and of not doing enough to curb violent or age-inappropriate content, or online abuse. Nearly half of American teenagers say they are online 'constantly' despite concerns about the effects of social media and smartphones on their mental health, according to a December 2024 report published by the Pew Research Center. The American Psychological Association has called on tech companies and lawmakers to protect children's mental health, arguing that social media platforms are 'particularly risky' to young people who cannot disengage from sites and struggle with impulse control. States and countries have passed various measures to address the problem, and some have run into legal challenges. A federal judge in 2024 temporarily blocked Utah's first-in-the-nation law requiring social media companies to check the ages of all users and place restrictions on accounts belonging to minors. California, which is home to some of the largest tech companies in the world, will make it illegal for social media platforms to knowingly provide addictive feeds to children without parental consent starting in 2027. And New York state allows parents to block their kids from getting social media posts suggested by a platform's algorithm.
