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POLICY INSIGHT
BEYOND THE NUMBERS

This week at CBPP, we focused on state budgets and taxes, health, federal tax, and the economy.

On state budgets and taxes, Michael Mitchell, Michael Leachman, and Matt Saenz detailed how deep state funding cuts to higher education have worsened inequality. Mitchell urged states to craft smarter financial aid policies and ensure that dollars go to the schools that need it most. Michell also noted that rising costs make it particularly hard for students of color to afford college. We also updated our fact sheets on state higher education cuts.
On health, Jennifer Wagner and Jessica Schubel highlighted states’ experiences that confirm the harmful effects of policies taking away Medicaid coverage for not meeting work requirements. Schubel pointed out that Arizona joined the growing list of states reconsidering work requirements. Wagner cited a Government Accountability Office report finding that the policies have steep administrative costs. Sarah Lueck noted that the wellness programs the Trump Administration is inviting states to adopt would gut protections for people with pre-existing health conditions.
On federal tax, Chuck Marr noted that a fix to the 2017 tax law that would help restaurant and retail owners should not leave out their own or other workers. Kathleen Romig argued that a “paid family leave” proposal from Senators Bill Cassidy and Kyrsten Sinema offers loans, not leave.
On the economy, we updated our backgrounder on how many weeks of unemployment compensation are available.

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

Will state expand Medicaid?
The Oklahoman
October 21, 2019

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