PI’s Policy and Advocacy Portal is a one-stop shop for the latest national policy news, advocacy opportunities, and resources relating to community prevention and health equity.

Week of June 9th - 17th

  • The US government continues to separate families at the border, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a ruling last week that would make it almost impossible for asylum seekers who cite fears of domestic violence or gang violence to enter or stay in the US. This Department of Justice ruling fits into a broader pattern of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration designed to make it harder for people to claim asylum in the US and deter would-be immigrants from attempting to the enter the country by implementing extreme measures like separating parents and children. Public outcry over family separation is growing, while the White House falsely insists that only Congress can prevent family separation. The House is expected to vote on two immigration bills this week, neither of which would prevent family separation. The ‘compromise’ bill would extend citizenship to some Dreamers – or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients – while adding new restrictions on family-based immigration and asylum seekers, and promising – though not appropriating -- $25 billion to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. The hardline immigration bill would provide only temporary legal status for Dreamers, with no route to citizenship; make overstaying a visa a criminal offense; and sharply cut family-based immigration.
     

  • The House is spending two weeks voting on over 70 bills to address the opioid epidemic, with 35 bills having passed out of the House so far, including bills to expand access to substance misuse treatment, research non-opiate pain management options, and crackdown on imported illegal drugs.
     

  • On Friday, June 15, a federal judge for the US District Court for the District of Columbia heard a legal challenge to Medicaid work requirements in Kentucky. The case was brought the Southern Poverty Law Center, Kentucky Equal Justice Center, and National Health Law Program on behalf of 16 Kentucky Medicaid participants, and argues that work requirements do not further Medicaid’s role as a safety-net healthcare coverage provider.
     

  • Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has until June 22 to bring the $15 billion rescissions package up for a vote in the Senate (the package passed the House earlier in June). As of June 19, no vote was scheduled.

  • Click here to read PI's weekly media digest for the week of June 9th - 17th.      

 

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Please tell Congress to oppose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) changes that would increase hunger and worsen health inequities. Learn how to take action here.

Along with several other supporting organizations, Prevention Institute has signed onto the 22 by 22 campaign urging Congress to increase funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 22 percent by fiscal year 2022. Spread the word about this campaign with this fact sheet, and sign your organization on to support 22 by 22 here. 

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The Prevention Rapid Response Network offers subscribers the latest prevention policy news, updates, tools, and advocacy opportunities in support of prevention and public health efforts in communities and across the country. 

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Prevention Institute engages in legislative, administrative, and regulatory advocacy to support upstream prevention policies and investments that advance health, safety, and equity.

April 20th
 

  • In support of the youth-led movement challenge to the status quo on guns, and renewed calls for action to address gun violence, Prevention Institute released an updated list of recommendations to prevent multiple forms of gun violence. 

September 27th

  • PI’s action alert  applauds Senator Collins and Senator John McCain for speaking out against the Graham-Cassidy bill and the process that produced it.

September 25th

  • PI and the leadership from the American Public Health Association, Public Health Institute, and Trust for America’s Health released a joint statement and call to action denouncing the Graham-Cassidy healthcare bill.

    September  22nd

    September 15th and 19th

     

    September 7th

    • Following the decision to rollback DACA, PI calls on Congress to defend the Dreamers

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