I appreciate how you show the interweaving of the personal and societal because society's needs are also personal. And I'm glad you got the tire remedied, too.
It's a little more strategic – because Missouri voters passed Medicaid expansion and added it to our constitution, any shortfalls will have to be made up by the state.
That means our Republican state leadership is in a bind – having to make up billions in funding with very few options to do so. Raising taxes is one way, as is cutting benefits. But because we added expansion via constitutional amendment, work requirements and the like won't work here. Oklahoma and South Dakota have similar issues. Here's a description: https://stateline.org/2025/04/17/states-that-enshrined-medicaid-expansion-in-their-constitutions-could-be-in-a-bind/
So that's six Republican senators that are in a real pickle.
I'll be more impressed with Hawley's stand if/when he says something on the Senate floor, but we have to start somewhere. Eric Schmitt's office is saying that he's also opposed to cuts in Medicaid, but that is apparently based on his May 1 statement that he didn't think such cuts were "on the table", an opinion that MAGA Mikey has just rendered ridiculous. Ann Wagner has stated that she's opposed to cuts in the basic benefits programs including Medicaid but has bravely voted the party line every time including the last one. It will be a tough battle, but we shall overcome.
Indeed - and our state constitution will make it hard for GOP lawmakers to make up the shortfall here. It’s going to be politically very tough for them.
Michele I love this story because, like Jess, you exude kindness. Now I know where it comes from. Please give her Mother's Day greetings from me. ❤️
Thank you! 💙
I appreciate how you show the interweaving of the personal and societal because society's needs are also personal. And I'm glad you got the tire remedied, too.
Thank you, Hans! I'm glad to have the tire fixed, too...
Did a progressive worm bore into Josh Harley’s brain? WTH?
It's a little more strategic – because Missouri voters passed Medicaid expansion and added it to our constitution, any shortfalls will have to be made up by the state.
That means our Republican state leadership is in a bind – having to make up billions in funding with very few options to do so. Raising taxes is one way, as is cutting benefits. But because we added expansion via constitutional amendment, work requirements and the like won't work here. Oklahoma and South Dakota have similar issues. Here's a description: https://stateline.org/2025/04/17/states-that-enshrined-medicaid-expansion-in-their-constitutions-could-be-in-a-bind/
So that's six Republican senators that are in a real pickle.
I'll be more impressed with Hawley's stand if/when he says something on the Senate floor, but we have to start somewhere. Eric Schmitt's office is saying that he's also opposed to cuts in Medicaid, but that is apparently based on his May 1 statement that he didn't think such cuts were "on the table", an opinion that MAGA Mikey has just rendered ridiculous. Ann Wagner has stated that she's opposed to cuts in the basic benefits programs including Medicaid but has bravely voted the party line every time including the last one. It will be a tough battle, but we shall overcome.
Indeed - and our state constitution will make it hard for GOP lawmakers to make up the shortfall here. It’s going to be politically very tough for them.
what a shame.
Thank you for that essay, I loved it. Your substack is such quality. Sharing it with my mother friends!
What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it! 💙