Latest news with #Tenney
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Healthcare unions, workers call on Tenney to oppose Medicaid, other cuts
CANANDAIGUA, NY — With a key vote of the House Ways and Means Committee on a federal budget potentially hours away, union healthcare workers and representatives pleaded for a 'no' vote from Rep. Claudia Tenney. The 2025 federal budget reconciliation package, or the President Donald Trump administration's so-called 'One Big Beautiful Bill," includes what opponents say are drastic cuts to Medicaid, education, food assistance and other services and represents a 'direct attack on working people,' said Steve Healy, president of the CSEA Western Region, during a press conference near Tenney's district office in Canandaigua. Tenney's 24th Congressional District includes a portion of Ontario County. 'We need more investment in healthcare, not less,' Healy said. The press conference comes after months of demonstrations and protests in Canandaigua and elsewhere in Tenney's sprawling district, where the Medina Memorial Hospital sits. That's where Shayna Rinas works as a patient care technician. Rinas fears cuts to Medicaid will not only impact jobs in rural communities but will also leave thousands of people without access to care. 'This is a life-and-death situation for many in rural communities,' Rinas said. Should the budget and cuts contained in it go through as is, life will be harder for those who are not 'ultra wealthy,' who benefit in the tax benefits for them these cuts would fund, said Ken Greenleaf, president of the CSEA Central Region. 'This budget does not reflect the values of upstate New York,' Greenleaf said. Staff in Tenney's Canandaigua office deferred questions to Tenney's communications director in Washington, D.C. A request for comment was not immediately addressed. "House Republicans are moving ahead with President Trump's One, Big, Beautiful Bill, working to solidify the promises we made to the American people by strengthening our economy and providing direct tax relief to families, farmers, and small businesses in rural America," Tenney stated, in part, in a press release on May 14 after a committee vote advancing the bill. Speakers at the press conference said they have tried to reach out to Tenney to bring their concerns to the congresswoman but have been rebuffed. Rinas and Mark Spadafore, upstate New York polictial director for the 1199SEIU, traveled to Washington, D.C., in March to have a conference with Tenney, but she "had no time for us," Rinas said. "It was very disheartening," Rinas said. Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Healthcare unions, workers call on Tenney to oppose Medicaid cuts
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SALT Republicans, leadership ‘still have some work to do' after key meeting
House Republicans in favor of increasing the deduction cap on state and local taxes (SALT) said they 'still have some work to do' after the group huddled with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for a key meeting on the contentious issue Wednesday afternoon. The gathering — which marked the first major conversation about SALT relief since the budget reconciliation process entered its final stage in the House — comes as GOP leadership is eyeing a meeting next week to advance the Ways and Means Committee's portion of the bill, a plan that could be delayed amid the hang-ups over SALT. Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), one of the most prominent members pushing for SALT relief, said the group discussed 'specific numbers' at the gathering, but noted that he 'wouldn't consider anything an offer.' A source told The Hill that 'no official numbers' or 'offers' were presented, but the group discussed 'the policy needs and the political needs' for a higher SALT deduction cap. 'I think we need some more dialogue,' LaLota said. While no number was agreed to, Republicans gave a look into what would be unacceptable for them. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) said increasing the SALT deduction cap to $25,000 'is not gonna cut it.' Leaving the meeting, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said they had 'not yet' settled on a new number for the deduction cap, but that he 'heard some very valuable input from members of the SALT states and completely understand their priorities.' 'We're trying to work that in and find consensus on the right number, which we will,' he added. Despite the optimistic tone, there was some frustration at the meeting. LaLota said there was 'intense fellowship' during the gathering, pointing to the 'different personalities, different priorities' within the House GOP conference. Two sources told The Hill that there was particular frustration with Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), a SALT relief proponent who sits on the Ways and Means Committee. One of the sources said Tenney was 'trying to put [SALT caucus members] in check a little bit' and 'telling them to be realistic.' 'Claudia was being as unproductive as you could be,' the second source said. The Hill reached out to Tenney's office for comment. A number of members pushing for SALT relief were at the meeting, including LaLota, Tenney, Malliotakis, and Reps. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.), Young Kim (R-Calif.) and Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.). Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) was also present. The group met with Johnson and House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.). The lawmakers convened as leadership is looking to hold a meeting to finalize and advance the Ways and Means Committee's portion bill full of President Trump's legislative priorities next week. On Tuesday, Johnson said he wants the remaining markups to be held next week as he looks to get the entire package cleared in the House by Memorial Day. That plan, however, is in question as members remain at odds over SALT relief. Malliotakis said holding a markup next week would be 'tight,' given the amount of progress made, but it 'could possibly' happen. 'We have, obviously, a goal, and hopefully we're gonna get there before next week,' she added. 'But it's up to the Speaker, it's up to the chairman, it's above my pay grade.' After the meeting, Johnson said it is his 'expectation' that the markup will take place next week. Malliotakis said she plans to brief the Ways and Means Committee on the group's Wednesday afternoon conversation on Thursday and 'see what the other members of the committee say.' As Republicans from high-tax blue states push for SALT relief, GOP deficit hawks are voicing opposition to an increase in the cap, raising concerns about how such a policy would impact their goal of making the final Trump agenda bill deficit neutral. 'Maybe it's just because I don't want to subsidize high-tax, blue-state jurisdictions,' Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) said when asked why he is opposed to increasing the cap. 'Maybe it's because I can do math… If you lift the cap to $100,000 that'll be how much? Over a trillion dollars. So the same folks are gonna say well, we gotta make sure we extend the tax cuts and make them permanent, but we can't touch Medicaid, but we need to lift our SALT cap. And I'm like okay, come in there and show me the arithmetic on the board.' Johnson and Smith will have to weigh those opposing stances and find a path forward as they look to get the package over the finish line, which will require near unanimity in the House GOP conference amid their razor-thin majority. The debate over SALT relief has been ongoing since 2017, when Trump's tax package, portions of which expire this year, placed a $10,000 deduction cap on SALT. Since then, Republicans and Democrats who represent high-tax blue states have been pushing to increase the cap, introducing legislation that would raise it thousands of dollars. Lawler, for example, introduced a bill in January that would increase the SALT deduction cap to $100,000 for single filers and $200,000 for married couples who file jointly. LaLota, meanwhile, has a bill that would hike the cap to $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for married people filing together. If the SALT cap is not extended, taxpayers would have the ability to deduct all eligible state and local income, revenue from sales, property taxes and foreign income taxes. According to a February 2024 brief from Penn Wharton, such an outcome would cost an additional $1.2 trillion. As the plan for a markup next week looms, SALT caucus Republicans are recognizing the tenuous nature of the budget reconciliation negotiations, but are holding out hope that their priorities will be reflected in the final bill. 'People have described the Ways and Means job to be much like a Rubik's cube or a game of Whack-a-Mole. When you solve one issue, another one comes up. So there's a lot for them to deliberate over,' LaLota said. 'I appreciate the hard work that they're gonna have to do to figure out all the different variables in the tax code. SALT, of course, is the most important one to me.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
01-05-2025
- Business
- The Hill
SALT Republicans, leadership ‘still have some work to do' after key meeting
House Republicans in favor of increasing the deduction cap on state and local taxes (SALT) said they 'still have some work to do' after the group huddled with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for a key meeting on the contentious issue Wednesday afternoon. The gathering — which marked the first major conversation about SALT relief since the budget reconciliation process entered its final stage in the House — comes as GOP leadership is eyeing a meeting next week to advance the Ways and Means Committee's portion of the bill, a plan that could be delayed amid the hang-ups over SALT. Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), one of the most prominent members pushing for SALT relief, said the group discussed 'specific numbers' at the gathering, but noted that he 'wouldn't consider anything an offer.' A source told The Hill that 'no official numbers' or 'offers' were presented, but the group discussed 'the policy needs and the political needs' for a higher SALT deduction cap. 'I think we need some more dialogue,' LaLota said. While no number was agreed to, Republicans gave a look into what would be unacceptable for them. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) said increasing the SALT deduction cap to $25,000 'is not gonna cut it.' Leaving the meeting, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said they had 'not yet' settled on a new number for the deduction cap, but that he 'heard some very valuable input from members of the SALT states and completely understand their priorities.' 'We're trying to work that in and find consensus on the right number, which we will,' he added. Despite the optimistic tone, there was some tension at the meeting. LaLota said there was 'intense fellowship' during the gathering, pointing to the 'different personalities, different priorities' within the House GOP conference. Two sources told The Hill that there was particular frustration with Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), a SALT relief proponent who sits on the Ways and Means Committee. One of the sources said Tenney was 'trying to put [SALT caucus members] in check a little bit' and 'telling them to be realistic.' 'Claudia was being as unproductive as you could be,' the second source said. The Hill reached out to Tenney's office for comment. A number of members pushing for SALT relief were at the meeting, including LaLota, Tenney, Malliotakis, and Reps. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.), Young Kim (R-Calif.) and Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.). Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) was also present. The group met with Johnson and House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.). The lawmakers convened as leadership is looking to hold a meeting to finalize and advance the Ways and Means Committee's portion bill full of President Trump's legislative priorities next week. On Tuesday, Johnson said he wants the remaining markups to be held next week as he looks to get the entire package cleared in the House by Memorial Day. That plan, however, is in question as members remain at odds over SALT relief. Malliotakis said holding a markup next week would be 'tight,' given the amount of progress made, but it 'could possibly' happen. 'We have, obviously, a goal, and hopefully we're gonna get there before next week,' she added. 'But it's up to the Speaker, it's up to the chairman, it's above my pay grade.' After the meeting, Johnson said it is his 'expectation' that the markup will take place next week. Malliotakis said she plans to brief the Ways and Means Committee on the group's Wednesday afternoon conversation on Thursday and 'see what the other members of the committee say.' As Republicans from high-tax blue states push for SALT relief, GOP deficit hawks are voicing opposition to an increase in the cap, raising concerns about how such a policy would impact their goal of making the final Trump agenda bill deficit neutral. 'Maybe it's just because I don't want to subsidize high-tax, blue-state jurisdictions,' Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) said when asked why he is opposed to increasing the cap. 'Maybe it's because I can do math… If you lift the cap to $100,000 that'll be how much? Over a trillion dollars. So the same folks are gonna say well, we gotta make sure we extend the tax cuts and make them permanent, but we can't touch Medicaid, but we need to lift our SALT cap. And I'm like okay, come in there and show me the arithmetic on the board.' Johnson and Smith will have to weigh those opposing stances and find a path forward as they look to get the package over the finish line, which will require near unanimity in the House GOP conference amid their razor-thin majority. The debate over SALT relief has been ongoing since 2017, when Trump's tax package, portions of which expire this year, placed a $10,000 deduction cap on SALT. Since then, Republicans and Democrats who represent high-tax blue states have been pushing to increase the cap, introducing legislation that would raise it thousands of dollars. Lawler, for example, introduced a bill in January that would increase the SALT deduction cap to $100,000 for single filers and $200,000 for married couples who file jointly. LaLota, meanwhile, has a bill that would hike the cap to $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for married people filing together. If the SALT cap is not extended, taxpayers would have the ability to deduct all eligible state and local income, revenue from sales, property taxes and foreign income taxes. According to a February 2024 brief from Penn Wharton, such an outcome would cost an additional $1.2 trillion. As the plan for a markup next week looms, SALT caucus Republicans are recognizing the tenuous nature of the budget reconciliation negotiations, but are holding out hope that their priorities will be reflected in the final bill. 'People have described the Ways and Means job to be much like a Rubik's cube or a game of Whack-a-Mole. When you solve one issue, another one comes up. So there's a lot for them to deliberate over,' LaLota said. 'I appreciate the hard work that they're gonna have to do to figure out all the different variables in the tax code. SALT, of course, is the most important one to me.'
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Excellus calls on Congress to protect seniors in Upstate New York
(WIVT/WBGH) – Several non-profit health plans across Upstate New York are calling on Congress to protect older adults. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, CDPHP, and MVP Health Care have partnered together to urge elected officials to pass bipartisan legislation that will protect Medicare Advantage benefits and access to care for hundreds of thousands of members. According to Excellus, nearly 450,000 Medicare Advantage members in Upstate New York may face increased premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs, and fewer choices due to the financial effects of unprecedented changes to the Medicare wage index. 'We remain grateful for the support and leadership of those in Congress who continue to fight for older adults in our communities,' said Jim Reed, President and CEO of Excellus BCBS. 'We have faith that New York's congressional delegation will find a solution to avoid catastrophic consequences for nearly 450,000 Medicare Advantage members with not-for-profit health plans in upstate New York.' In 2023, a change in how the federal government sets hospital reimbursement rates for Medicare resulted in financial losses for non-profit health plans upstate. Excellus says non-profit plans absorbed hundreds of millions of dollars in losses. The plans cannot sustain these growing losses along with the escalating costs of health care. 'Our local, not-for-profit plans will continue to battle the effects of the wage index, which has left the future of our great health plan – and the 75,000 older adults who entrust us with their care – in jeopardy,' said Brian O'Grady, President and CEO of CDPHP. In May 2024, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen Medicare Advantage plans in Upstate New York. However, Congress did not act on this legislation before the end of the previous Congress term in December 2024. Tenney, along with other members of Congress, have since reintroduced the legislation. The legislation would adjust the amounts reimbursed to health plans to ensure regional, non-profit Medicare Advantage plans remain viable and members maintain access to benefits and access to care. 'We thank Congresswoman Tenney and our bipartisan Congressional delegation for supporting this imperative legislation,' said Chris Del Vecchio, CEO of MVP Health Care. 'This bill will authorize CMS to make a region-specific Medicare adjustment to level the playing field for local, not-for-profit, community-based plans. It will ensure that MVP can continue to innovate with our community provider partners and provide critical benefits to our Medicare members.' Excellus calls on Congress to protect seniors in Upstate New York City of Binghamton hosting paint recycling event Teen shot in Binghamton while driving, in stable condition BCSO searching for missing Endicott man Crews respond to Sunday morning house fire in Binghamton Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
House GOP proposes $5 billion tax credit program to open more charter schools
House Republicans proposed legislation to open more charter schools under a $5 billion tax credit program in a move that would help President Trump fulfill his campaign pledge to provide 'universal school choice' for all parents and students. The tax credit would be applied against 75% of the donation provided by charitable givers to top-performing charter school networks or operators, under the 'High-Quality Charter Schools Act' introduced by upstate Rep. Claudia Tenney and co-sponsored by Staten Island-Brooklyn Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, among others. The tax credit would be capped at 10% of a donor's gross adjusted income. For example, a donor with $1 million in annual income who donates $133,000 for charter school expansion gets a tax credit of $100,000. The measure could be folded into a Republican-crafted budget bill. Both Tenney and Malliotakis sit on the budget-writing House Ways and Means Committee. 'Charter schools have a proven track record of success, working to ensure every student, regardless of zip code, is given the opportunity to succeed,' Tenney said. This legislation could triple the number of kids enrolled in charter schools nationwide by 6 million, from 6% to 18% of the public school population, added Tenney. 'Parents know what is best for their children, and by providing parents with options, we can improve educational outcomes across our country,' she said. There are 149,000 students attending 281 charter schools in New York City, accounting for 15% of public school students. The state imposes a cap on the number of charter schools that can open in the city, and that limit has already been reached. 'Charter schools across the country, especially here in New York, are facing demand that far exceeds their capacity,' Malliotakis said. 'I'm proud to join Rep. Tenney in introducing this legislation to ensure students and families have greater access to the school of their choice — while also ensuring taxpayers see a strong return on investment in public education.' The bill is also backed by Reps. Burgess Owens of Utah and Kevin Kiley of California, both of whom sit on the House education panel and have sway on school-related policy matters. Eva Moskowitz, founder of the Success Academy Charter Schools network praised the bill — noting it complements the Education Choice for Children Act. That bill proposes a 100 percent tax credit — a full reimbursement — for 'donations' to nonprofits known as Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which are then used as vouchers to provide free or reduced tuition at private K-12 schools. 'Together, these policies will demonstrate universal school choice as a national priority,' said Moskowitz, whose Success Academy network oversees 57 schools that enroll 22,000 students, mostly low-income students of color. Republicans are typically stronger backers of school choice programs than Democrats, who by and large are more wedded to financing traditional public schools than publicly-funded, but privately managed charter schools or subsidizing private or parochial schools. Trump reportedly supports the bill, which could be the muscle to make the school choice tax credit programs the law of the land, according to sources. 'I want every parent in America to be empowered to send their child to public, private, charter, or faith-based school of their choice. The time for universal school choice has come. As we return education to the states, I will use every power I have to give parents this right,' Trump said, when discussing his education platform last month.
