In Case You Missed It...

| By CBPP

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

On health, Paul N. Van de Water cited the benefits of a proposed Senate bill that would provide added federal Medicaid assistance tied to state economic conditions. Aviva Aron-Dine pointed out that a House bill would help millions get health coverage and cut costs for millions more. Hannah Katch explained how raising the federal share of Medicaid costs (the “FMAP”) would help prevent states from cutting payments to health care providers.
On state budgets and taxes, Michael Mazerov and Elizabeth McNichol noted that state borrowing is no substitute for additional direct aid to help states weather COVID-19 downturns. Nicholas Johnson emphasized that additional, well-targeted federal fiscal aid to states is key to advancing racial equity. Michael Leachman explained how federal aid for states and localities protects the economy. We also updated our State Budget Watch tracking revenue shortfalls.
On federal taxes, Samantha Jacoby urged policymakers to reject calls to make business tax credits refundable. Samantha Washington called for the next stimulus bill to include volunteer tax assistance funding.
On the economy, we updated our backgrounder on how many weeks of unemployment compensation are available and our chart book tracking the post-Great Recession economy.
On family income support, Liz Schott detailed how state General Assistance programs are very limited in half the states and nonexistent in others, despite need.