Greene County Democrat

Category: Community

  • Newswire : Gambian women furious over vote to restore female circumcision

    Gambian women protest female genital mutilation

    Apr. 1, 2024 (GIN) – ‘Over my dead body!’
     
    That was how one Gambian woman expressed her frustration with a vote by the country’s majority male legislators to end the prohibition of female genital mutilation (FGM). The practice has been on the rise in recent years despite activist campaigns to outlaw it.
     Lawmaker Almameh Gibba presented the repeal bill earlier this month, arguing the ban violates citizens’ rights to practice their culture and religion. Gambia is an overwhelmingly Muslim country.
     
    If the bill is passed, Gambia would become the first country to reverse a ban on FGM.
     
    The vote comes just a month after the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, observed annually on Feb. 6. This year it was observed with the theme “Her Voice, Her Future.”
     
    Gambian lawmakers have already voted to advance the measure that removes legal protections in effect since 2015 for millions of girls.
    Ndeye Rose Sarr, head of the local United Nations Fund for Population Activities, shared some of the historical background: “From the age of 10, girls begin to be looked at as a potential bride for an older man. And if she has not yet undergone FGM, there will be those in her community who will want to make sure that she does.”
     
    The rate of FGM in The Gambia is around 76 per cent of women in the 14-to-49-year age range, and about 51 per cent for girls up to the age of 14. “That means that, on average, every other young girl you see in The Gambia has undergone this mutilation,” Sarr said.
     
    Globally, over 200 million women and girls are estimated to have undergone some form of genital mutilation and girls aged 14 and younger account for about 44 million of those who have been “cut.”
     
    The practice is almost universal in Somalia, Guinea and Djibouti, with levels of 90 per cent or higher, while it affects no more than 1 per cent of girls and women in Cameroon and Uganda.
     
    Contrary to popular perception, female genital mutilation is also practiced in the U.S. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half a million women and girls have either undergone or are at risk of undergoing the procedure in the future. Most, but not all, are immigrants to the U.S.
     
    The  ban was put in place during the tenure of former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, whose government opposed the practice.
     
    Isatou Keita, writing for the online publication Semafor, had this to say about FGM. “From my perspective as a Gambian woman, banning FGM is highly commendable… As a staunch advocate for human rights and gender equality, I firmly believe that every individual has the right to live free from violence, coercion, and discrimination, including harmful cultural practices like FGM.”
     
    “The ban against FGM signifies a step towards empowerment and autonomy, granting us agency over our bodies.”
     
    World leaders overwhelmingly back the elimination of female genital mutilation by 2030 as one of the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals. The U.N. considers it achievable if nations act now to translate that commitment into action.

  • Newswire : U.S. plummets in world happiness rankings according to 2024 report

     World Happiness Day

    According to the newest World Happiness Report for 2024, the United States has dropped in the worldwide happiness rankings. Released on March 20, America plunged eight spots from its previous ranking, marking the first time in the report’s 12-year history that the nation has failed to secure a position among the world’s top 20 happiest countries.
    Released on the UN’s International Day of Happiness, the report, a collaborative effort among Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the World Happiness Report’s Editorial Board, sheds light on the shifting landscape of happiness worldwide. While perennial frontrunners like Finland and Denmark continue to dominate the top spots, the U.S. finds itself in an unfamiliar position of decline.

    Historically, the pursuit of happiness has been ingrained in the American ethos, symbolizing freedom, opportunity, and prosperity. However, in recent years, several factors have been identified that could contribute to its demise. Political turmoil and the hate and confusion that has come with the candidacy and trials of the twice-impeached and four-times indicted former president Donald Trump, economic inequality, diminishing social cohesion, and a pervasive consumerism culture often undermine many Americans’ well-being.
    Additionally, the pressures of modern life, including work-related stress, a lack of affordable healthcare, and political polarization, have taken a toll on mental health and overall happiness levels. Moreover, the advent of social media and digital technologies, while providing connectivity, has also been linked to increased feelings of isolation and comparison, negatively impacting subjective well-being.
    The new happiness report highlights that “some countries, like Finland and Denmark, consistently rank among the world’s happiest. The U.S. isn’t one of them.”
    Drawing upon data collected by the Gallup World Poll and analyzed by leading wellbeing experts, the report underscored the multifaceted nature of happiness trends. While Finland maintains its reign as the happiest nation for the seventh consecutive year, other countries, such as Serbia and Bulgaria, have witnessed significant increases in average life evaluation scores, resulting in notable climbs in the rankings. While Finland’s average life evaluation ranks it as the happiest country in the world, Afghanistan ranks as the least happy country in the world with a life evaluation of 1.721.
    Breaking new ground, the report introduced separate rankings by age group, revealing differing happiness levels across generations. Notably, a significant decline in the wellbeing of Americans under 30 is what has caused the U.S. to fall in the rankings overall.
    At the global level, averaged across all ages and regions, inequality of happiness has increased by more than 20% over the past dozen years. Among those born after 1980, happiness falls with each year of age. Among those born before 1965, life evaluations rise with age.
    John F. Helliwell, Emeritus Professor of Economics at the University of British Columbia and a founding editor of the World Happiness Report, emphasizes the importance of understanding these generational disparities. “There is a great variety among countries in the relative happiness of the younger, older, and in-between populations,” he commented.
    “Effective policymaking relies on solid data,” stated Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup. “Today’s World Happiness Report attempts to bridge some of these gaps… It provides analytics and advice for evidence-based planning and policymaking,” he stated.
    Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, Director of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre, calls for immediate policy action in light of concerning drops in happiness among youth, adding, “To think that, in some parts of the world, children are already experiencing the equivalent of a mid-life crisis demands immediate policy action.”

  • Newswire : Federal aid swiftly released for rebuilding Francis Scott Key Bridge after tragic collision

    By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire


    In a rapid response to the devastating collision between a cargo container ship and the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced the immediate release of $60 million in Emergency Relief (ER) funds to the Maryland Department of Transportation.

    The collision resulted in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, claiming the lives of six individuals, and causing substantial disruption to regional and national transportation networks. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said he and others in the Biden-Harris administration understand that they must act with urgency, and he emphasized the federal government’s commitment to assisting Maryland in the bridge’s reconstruction.

    “The federal emergency funds we’re releasing today will help Maryland begin urgent work, with additional resources coming as recovery and rebuilding efforts progress,” Buttigieg stated. 

    He reiterated President Joe Biden’s assurance that the federal government would spare no effort in supporting the bridge’s rebuilding and restoring operations at the Port of Baltimore.

    FHWA Administrator Shailen Bhatt echoed Secretary Buttigieg’s sentiments, explaining to reporters and others the pivotal role of the Emergency Relief funds in facilitating initial repair efforts. Additionally, FHWA officials said the agency would provide technical assistance, conduct site assessments, and oversee emergency contracts to expedite the reconstruction process.

    The closure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has already had far-reaching implications, disrupting shipping traffic to the Port of Baltimore’s Seagirt Marine Terminal, and impeding vital transportation corridors along the East Coast. FHWA officials said they will continue to collaborate closely with federal, state, and local partners to mitigate supply chain disruptions and manage traffic while prioritizing the safe reopening of the port.

    Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s declaration of a state of emergency helped to enable FHWA to approve MDOT’s emergency relief funding application promptly. Officials have allocated the funds towards debris removal, demolition, detours, emergency repairs, and the design and reconstruction of the affected infrastructure.

    Biden also reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering support for Baltimore. “And to the people of Baltimore, I want to say: We’re with you,” the president declared. “We’re going to stay with you as long as it takes. And like the governor said, you’re Maryland tough, you’re Baltimore strong, and we’re going to get through this together. And I promise: We’re not leaving. It’s my intention that federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge, and I expect to — the Congress to support my effort.” 

    Biden said the tragedy called for a comprehensive response and demanded that Congress endorse federal assistance efforts. Federal officials said FHWA’s Emergency Relief program aligns with broader initiatives to enhance infrastructure resilience in the face of future challenges.  

    “The Port of Baltimore is one of the nation’s largest shipping hubs.  And I’ve been there a number of times as a senator and as a vice president,” Biden remarked. “It handled a record amount of cargo last year.  It’s also the top port in America for both imports and exports of automobiles and light trucks.
    “Around 850,000 vehicles go through that port every single year, and we’re going to get it up and running again as soon as possible. Fifteen thousand jobs depend on that port.  And we’re going to do everything we can to protect those jobs and help those workers.”
     

  • Newswire : Alabama House v. Senate:a comparison of two gambling bills

    By: Josh Moon, Alabama Political Reporter

     

    After more than a year of work on a comprehensive gambling package, the Alabama House of Representatives easily passed in March two bills that would have allowed voters to approve a lottery, up to 10 casino licenses, sports wagering and a new gaming commission to crack down on rampant illegal gambling around the state. 

    The Alabama Senate undid it all in less than a week, passing a gambling bill that contained only a lottery, a potential compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and historical horse racing machines at seven other locations around the state. 

    Both houses have proclaimed their legislation to be “what the people want,” and each claims that the gambling tax revenues can do big things. So, let’s take a look at what each bill does and what benefits each brings to the people of Alabama. 

    The Basics
    The House Bill: A statewide lottery, seven traditional casino licenses, three potential casinos via a compact with the Poarch Creeks, sports wagering online, a gambling commission with a law enforcement entity to police illegal gambling and regulate/oversee legal gaming. 
    The Senate Bill: A statewide lottery, three potential casinos via a compact with the Poarch Creeks, possible sports wagering via the Poarch Creek compact (but possibly only on-site sports wagering), historical horse racing at six locations, a gambling commission with a law enforcement entity to police illegal gambling and regulate/oversee legal gaming. 

    The Revenue 
    The House Bill: Up to $1.2 billion annually. That broke down to around $200-$350 million for the lottery, $300-$400 million from casino wagering, up to $300 million from the Poarch Creek compact (depending on terms), up to $100 million in sports wagering (assuming online availability). 
    The Senate Bill: Up to $425 million. That’s $200 million for the lottery, $25 million for the pari-mutuel wagering, and $200 million from the Poarch Creek compact. (The Poarch Creek compact could generate more – up to another $50-$75 million – if certain limitations were removed and/or the tribe was allowed to offer online sports wagering statewide.)


    The Benefits
    The House Bill: The bill was designed to be transformative for the state. Utilizing lottery revenue, lawmakers planned to make two-year college attendance free for most state residents, including for many job training/certification programs. Other college scholarship programs for low-income students were also on the table, as was providing security for public schools around the state. Other gambling revenue was to be used to expand mental health care services, expand rural health care services (and possibly Medicaid expansion), provide funding for designated infrastructure projects and provide raises for teachers and state retirees. Additionally, the funds would have been used to pay for the implementation of the lottery and the expenses associated with creating and maintaining the gambling commission and its law enforcement entity. 
    The Senate Bill: After funding the lottery and gambling commission, the remaining funds will be split equally among infrastructure, education and the general fund. (During debate, lawmakers indicated that a portion of the revenue would be used to build a new prison.)
    The Jobs

    The House Bill: The comprehensive House bill was an economic windfall for the state in a number of ways, not least of which was new jobs. In total, because of requirements that the 10 casino locations spend minimum amounts (the bill required $35 million within the first year) in upgrades and create destination resorts, the package was expected to create some 12,000 to 15,000 new, permanent jobs in the state. That figure did not reflect the temporary construction jobs created by building new casinos. 
    The Senate Bill: There is no study to cite for that bill, but because new casinos would be placed only at current Poarch Creek casino locations – and those locations are already considered top-level destinations – job creation would be significantly less. PCI would hire considerably more employees, and would likely become the state’s top overall employer (it’s already the state’s top hospitality industry employer), but nothing close to the 12,000-15,000 jobs under the House bill. 

    Overall
    Both bills approve a state lottery and create a gambling commission and law enforcement entity. Both bills also legalize 10 casinos – the Senate version simply reduces the kinds of gambling that can take place at seven of those locations to only historical horse racing games (basically slot machines). There will still be 10 casinos, but only $225 million in annual revenue as opposed to more than $700 million in annual revenue from the same locations. Additionally, the state likely will still have a massive illegal sports wagering market – a market that did a projected $2 billion in business in 2023 – under the Senate bill, which doesn’t address sports wagering, other than possibly allowing it at Poarch Creek facilities. Basically, the Senate bill has the same amount of gambling around the state as the House bill, but with control of an illegal market and a loss of $600-plus million in annual revenue. 

     

  • School Board anticipates clean audit

    Superintendent Jones highlights students’ positive activities

    The Greene County Board of Education held its monthly meeting, Monday, March 25, 2024 with all board members in attendance. Prior to the official meeting the board heard an unofficial audit report for the fiscal year 2022-2023, presented by the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. The examiners noted that the report is unofficial until it is printed and forward to the board.
    Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones presented ted the following updates of activities at the various schools.
    Eutaw Primary: The ACAP Summative test will be administered March 26 through April 12, 2024. Scholars participated in living Wax Museum, researching the contributions of famous African Americans. Educators and scholars celebrated Read Across America February 26 through March 1. Reading and Math Progress Monitoring Data meetings have concluded and all 3rd grade educators have analyzed their middle of year data and made instructional adjustments.
    Robert Brown Middle School: Spring Fling Dance was held March 1. Schoolwide Pawsitive Character Celebration awarded treats to students for their hard work. G.E.M.S Expo at UWA (4th & 5th grade scholars participated in STEM activities. Donuts with Dad scheduled for March 27.
    Greene County High School: Scholars presented a show stopping celebration celebrating African American Heritage. GCHS Juniors attended Alabama Power Youth Leadership Conference at Shelton State Community College. Seniors participated in ACT Workkeys.
    GCHS Debate Team competed at Fairhope on March 16, where two members earned awards, Tia Moore and Mekhi Braggs. On March 21-22, the Debate Team competed at Mississippi State University, where senior Tia Moore received a superlative award for her presentation.
    GCHS Seniors attended Alabama State University Tour at Sumter Central High, with 12 students receiving scholarships. The Alabama A&M University Bus Tour awarded 15 students with scholarships.
    Greene County Career Center: The HOSA Leadership Conference was held in Montgomery AL, February 29 – March 1. The Black College Fair was hosted February 29. Over 400 students and more than 25 colleges and businesses participated, Tenth grade students visited Talladega College, March 6. The Modern Manufacturing Industry Tour: Lear Corporation was held March 14.
    The board approved the following personnel items. Recommended by the superintendent.
    * Resignation of Ms. Kaleigha Jemison, Kindergarten teacher at Eutaw Primary School, effective March 25, 2024.
    * Maternity/Catastrophic sick leave for Ms. Quenterica White, First grade teacher at Eutaw Primary School beginning April 25, 2024.
    * Employment of Ms. Shameria Jordan as a long-term substitute – Kindergarten teacher at Eutaw Primary School.
    The board approved the following administrative items recommended by the superintendent. *Application for registration as a charter authorizer.
    Retroactively approve (as of 2/26/2024) base bid and alternates for HVAC installation at Robert Brown Middle School to be installed by Stateline Mechanical.
    * Bid proposal from Integrity Event Security Providers, LLC for single entry/concealed weapon search (Based on 9-months).
    * Travel to attend SREB Making Schools Work Conference – Nashville, TN – July 8 – 12, 2024, Rebecca Coleman and Tammy Anderson.
    * McKee & Associates Architect Firm for the construction of the track and first phase of the football stadium at Greene County High School.
    * Quote from Kendrick Lewis in the amount of $3,500 to build concrete ramp at Eutaw Primary School (CNP).
    * Memorandum of Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and the University of Alabama to participate in UA’s College of Education Teach in Bama initiative designed to recruit, train, and retain talented individuals in the State of Alabama.
    * 3 year contract with UKG Timeclock System in the amount of $70,297.60.
    Quote from Hammilll Recreation (Play & Park Structures) for Phase II of playground equipment and installation at Robert Brown Middle School.
    * Dual Enrollment Agreement with Wallace Community College Selma/Demopolis and Greene County High School for high school students to enroll in college-level courses through the College to dually earn credits for a high school diploma and a postsecondary educational credential.
    * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
    Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
    The CSFO, Marquita Lennon, presented the following Financial Snapshot for the period ending February 29, 2024. Operating Reserves total 5.93 months combined general fund reserve; 4.68 months cash reserve. All bank accounts have been reconciled. The General Fund Balance totaled $5,762,129.52 (reconciles to the Summary Cash report). Accounts Payable Check Register totaled $404,715.92. Payroll Register totaled $933,185.57. Combined Ending Fund Balance totaled $7,294,827.58.
    Lennon reported local revenue as follows: Property Taxes – $77,139.62; Sales Taxes – $98,002.40; Other Taxes – $2,127.57. All totaling – $ 177,268.59.

  • BBCF Community & Arts Grants Spring 2024

    SELMA, AL – March 25, 2024: The Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) is offering community and arts grant opportunities open to community-based organizations operating within its 12-county service area comprising Bullock, Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, and Wilcox Counties of Alabama.

    The 2024 BBCF Arts and Community Grants Cycle will open on March 28th with the online grant application going live followed by a series of in-person and online Learn Grants-BBCF Style Workshops. There will be an in-person workshop in each of the 12 counties which will serve as an opportunity for the community to meet the new BBCF Arts Director, Aaron Head, and to answer any questions you may have about the grant process.

    For a more in-depth learning experience, covering all aspects of the BBCF grant process and including tips for writing a successful application, please plan to attend one of the two Online Grant Summit workshops. Please note that any organization that has never submitted a grant application to BBCF MUST attend one in-person workshop session prior to applying. April 19th is the deadline for all applications, with final decisions being tendered by the end of May 2024.

    Dates for the in-person and online workshops are forthcoming – be sure to follow BBCF on social media and check out our website, blackbeltfound.org, for up-to-date information about these sessions.

    BBCF President Felecia Lucky states, “We are enthusiastic and assured of the work and guidance offered by the BBCF Community Associates and Local Grant Review Committees in facilitating the grant application process and in fostering connections with organizations dedicated to catalyzing positive change within their communities. This year marks the 19th anniversary of the Community Grant Cycle and the 18th anniversary of Arts granting, coinciding with the celebration of BBCF’s 20th anniversary.”

    BBCF’s Community Grant Cycle will invest in organizations engaging Black Belt citizens by addressing the most pressing community needs through grants ranging in size from $500 to $7500. This type of work includes but is not limited to education, economic development, health, criminal justice reform and intervention, civic engagement/participation, recreational programs, etc.

    BBCF’s Arts Grant Cycle will target in-school, after-school and community-based arts and arts education programs as well as professional development and capacity building. These grants have a range of $500 to $5000.

    For both Community and Arts grants, applicants will be able to find specific examples of previous projects funded and other helpful details via the grant application web resource page at: https://blackbeltfound.org/2024grants/ .

  • Newswire : Rescue of kidnapped Nigerian children reported

    Nigerian children reunited with parents

     
    Mar. 25, 2024 (GIN) – The nightmare is over for some of the 287 Nigerian schoolchildren seized from their school and marched into the forests by an armed group.
     
    Nigeria’s military said in a statement that 76 girls and 61 boys had been freed in the northern state of Zamfara, and were being taken back to Kaduna. The military did not confirm the total number of children abducted on March 7, or provide further details about the operation. 
     
    The children were abducted by motorcycle-riding gunmen on March 7 from their school in Kuriga, a small town in the state of Kaduna. Terrified families watched helplessly as the children, aged 12 or younger were driven away.
     
    It was the latest in a long series of kidnappings that have plagued Africa’s most populous nation. 
     
    President Bola Tinubu had vowed to rescue the children “without paying a dime” as ransom. But ransoms are commonly paid for kidnappings, often arranged by families, and it is rare for officials in Nigeria to admit to the payments. According to Sahara Reporters, the kidnappers were seeking one billion naira for the students’ release.
     
    Since the 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Borno state, town of Chibok, by Boko Haram, an armed group, many of the girls were released, reportedly in exchange for ransoms, but 98 of them are still missing, according to Amnesty International.
     
    The latest abduction comes days after some 200 people were kidnapped in Nigeria’s Borno state – at the center of the Boko Haram insurgency. The victims, who had ventured into the countryside to collect firewood, have not been rescued yet.
     
    The armed men on motorbikes – referred to locally as bandits – had been menacing the community for some time, with the security forces said to be unable to deal with the threat. Kuriga had been persistently attacked by gangs seeking to kidnap people and make money from ransom payments.
     
    The scale of this latest abduction and the fact that it involved children as young as seven has been overwhelming for many here.
     
    “We watched them carrying our children away just right here and there’s nothing we could do. We don’t have military, we don’t have police in the community,” a mother was quoted to say through tears.
     
    Kidnap gangs, known as bandits, have seized thousands of people in recent years, especially in the north-west.
     
    Chris Ewokor of BBC News in Kuriga managed to get more of the story from 17 year old Musa Garba (not his real name). The teenager said he had to slither on the ground like a snake to avoid being detected by his kidnappers.
     
    “We saw motorbikes on the road. We thought they were soldiers before we realized they had occupied the school premises and started shooting,” Musa told the BBC reporter.
     
    “We tried to run away, but they chased us and caught us.” Musa said he kept looking for ways to escape and tried to encourage others to join him but they were too afraid. 
     
    “After all was quiet, I started dragging myself like a snake on the ground.” Once it was totally dark, he got up and walked off until he got to a village where he got help.
     
    In the last decade and a half, people in northern Nigeria have come under intense attack by armed militant groups. A second force, linked to the Islamic State group, has also emerged.
     

  • Newswire : Alabama Republicans pass controversial anti-diversity legislation

    By Stacy M. Brown
    NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
    Alabama Republicans have stirred controversy with the passage of a divisive bill targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) efforts in public colleges. The legislation slashes funding for diversity programs and imposes restrictions on discussing “divisive concepts” related to race and gender within educational settings. Alabama’s Republican Governor, Kay Ivey, signed the legislation as soon as it reached her desk.

    Met with widespread support in the State Legislature, the bill faced vehement opposition from various quarters. Democrats, student groups, and civil rights advocates condemned it as an assault on free speech and diversity initiatives, particularly poignant given Alabama’s history of segregation and racism.
    “The advancements that we have made… in this country, they’re slowly rolling it back,” remarked State Representative Juandalynn Givan, a Democrat, expressing concerns over the bill’s implications.

    Furthermore, the legislation prohibits transgender individuals from using bathrooms aligned with their gender identity on public university campuses, aligning Alabama with a broader right-wing campaign targeting D.E.I. programs nationwide.

    With the bill’s passage, dissent persists. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin urged student-athletes to consider institutions prioritizing diversity and inclusion, suggesting potential repercussions for Alabama’s educational institutions.

    “Would you be cool with your child playing at schools where diversity among staff is actively being discouraged?” Mayor Randall Woodfin asked, emphasizing the importance of diversity in educational settings.

    Meanwhile, students rallied against similar anti-D.E.I. measures at the University of Louisville, fearing academic restrictions and scholarship implications.
    “Unfortunately, I’m not surprised by the empty words we’ve been given,” remarked protester Elizabeth Hinsdale. “If I am not able to study what I want to at this university or any in Kentucky, I’m left with no choice but to transfer out of state,” added Savannah Dowell, expressing concerns about potential academic limitations.

    Several states across the country have passed or proposed anti-DE&I bills that target diversity training, curriculum content, and initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity in various sectors. States such as Texas, Florida, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Tennessee have advanced or enacted legislation restricting discussions on topics related to race and gender in educational institutions, public workplaces, and government-funded programs.

  • Newswire : Biden and Harris fight back against House Republicans’ budget threatening health care

    Patient being counseled at medical facility

    By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

    Resolute in their stand against the recent budget proposal by House Republicans, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are intensifying their efforts to lower healthcare costs and safeguard crucial provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid, and Medicare.

    In a Fact Sheet, the White House noted that Biden and Harris underscored the administration’s commitment during a visit to North Carolina, where they outlined a comprehensive strategy to make health care more affordable for all Americans.

    “The draconian measures in the Republican budget, which the Republican Study Committee created and which the House Republican leadership supported, have alarmed people because they could destroy crucial health care programs,” administration officials said. Among its provisions, the budget seeks to slash a staggering $4.5 trillion from the ACA, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, potentially leaving millions of Americans without access to essential health coverage.
    Key aspects of the Republican budget include eliminating funding for the ACA’s Marketplace and Medicaid expansion, jeopardizing coverage for over 45 million individuals. Furthermore, the proposed transformation of Medicaid into block grants “could imperil the health care of an additional 60 million Americans, leading to increased difficulty in qualifying for coverage and potential cuts to critical benefits,” officials argued.
    The budget threatens the well-being of seniors and individuals with disabilities by proposing cuts to Medicaid home care services and nursing home payments, which could result in diminished care quality and longer waitlists for essential services.
    In addition to dismantling crucial consumer protections established by the ACA, such as coverage for pre-existing conditions and prohibitions against insurance company abuses, officials said the Republican budget would also convert Medicare into a “premium support” program, potentially raising premiums for millions of seniors and exacerbating prescription drug costs.
    “Contrary to this regressive agenda, President Biden and Vice President Harris are staunch advocates for expanding access to affordable health care,” officials asserted. “Under their leadership, a record-breaking 21 million Americans have enrolled in ACA coverage this year, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to extend health care to more citizens.”
    The White House argued that the administration’s initiatives have yielded tangible benefits, including average annual savings of $800 per individual on health insurance premiums. They claimed that the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which Biden championed, has given Medicare the authority to negotiate lower prescription drug costs, ensuring that seniors and people with disabilities can access affordable medications.
    Biden and Harris insisted they are committed to further lowering healthcare costs and enhancing coverage for all Americans. Their proposed measures include:
    Making premium tax credits permanent.
    Expanding Medicaid coverage in states that have not adopted expansion.
    Investing in home care services to address wait lists for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

    White House officials said the president and vice president’s agenda prioritizes mental health care access, consumer protection against surprise medical bills, and crackdowns on unwarranted fees in health care services. By advocating for Medicare to negotiate drug prices for at least 50 drugs annually and capping out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, the administration aims to alleviate financial burdens on individuals while safeguarding the integrity of health care programs.
    In contrast to the Republican budget’s assault on health care, officials asserted that Biden and Harris remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting and strengthening vital health care programs for generations to come. “By ensuring that the wealthy contribute their fair share and dedicating savings from Medicare reforms to the program’s sustainability, they seek to uphold the fundamental right to accessible and affordable health care for all Americans,” officials said.

     

     

  • Newswire : Black pastors preaching the Message of the Resurrection and the Legacy of Dr. King

     Dr. King at 1963 March on Washington

    by Hamil R. Harris

    (TriceEdneyWire.com) – It’s the Easter season, and while many pastors are focused on crafting sermons and hosting events, others are equally concerned about King’s legacy on the anniversary of his death April 4, 1968.

    “This election is one of the most critical elections in history,” said Rev. Gerald Durley, the retired pastor of the Provident Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta. “This is an election to preserve Democracy in America.”Durley, 82, is preaching and speaking more than ever because, he said, if former President Donald Trump is elected, it will set Civil Rights back 60 years.

    “All of the marching that we did was to ensure equality and equity was in place,” Durley said. “Dr. King lived and died so that the check of Democracy would not be marked as insufficient funds.
    “
    Durley said while the Black church has a great history, the battle for Civil Rights is far from over. “We have had a lot of Moses, but we need more Joshuas,” he said, referring to the younger leader he brought the children of Israel closer to the promised land.

    From Atlanta to San Francisco to Washington, DC, many pastors are preaching the gospel as well, challenging their congregations to not only hear the Word but to be doers.

    “It’s sad and very troublesome,” said Amos Brown, pastor of the Third Baptist Church of San Francisco. “The crucifixion wasn’t about self-serving personal salvation. It was about good being delivered for all human creatures. That’s why the Roman government put him on that cross…He was a social justice Christ. He cared about the marginalization of women. There were chauvinists back then as there are today,” Brown said. “Democracy should be for everybody.”

    Rev. Barbara Skinner, who works with the organization, Faiths United to Save Democracy, has been  busy educating potential voters. 
    “While faith leaders cannot tell people who to vote for they can educate them about voting” said Skinner. She stressed the importance of “Preparing church members to vote having reviewed with them weeks prior what’s at stake and what’s in the ballot.”“There are  19 steps to take before voting so people are ready to vote,” said Skinner. She referred to the website, http://www.turnoutsunday.com/ for a  toolkit.

    Rev. Dr. Ben Chavis, a veteran Civil Rights activist, said while Easter is about the Resurrection of Jesus, there needs to be an “Economic Resurrection” in Black America, and that starts by going to the polls in November. 

    As Civil Rights veterans yield to a new generation of pastors, they also employ new strategies and techniques.

    Rev. Tony Lee, pastor of the Community of Hope African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Temple Hills, Md., said, the greatest importance of the church during this season is not just political power but moral authority. “We need a moral authority, a voice that stands for humanity, a voice that says that we are all God’s children,” he said, comparing those that Jesus called “the least of these” to “the left out” of today.

    On March 26, 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and activist Malcolm X met for the first time. Rev. Grainger Browning, pastor of Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, reflected on that date to say that today, “We need to come together.”

    “The ongoing Civil Rights organizations are not as visible as they used to be, but it is important that some way during this Easter season, we have a coordinated effort to begin some strategy as to where we go from here,” Browning said. “I have faith in the resiliency of the African American population.
    ”
    Rev. Jamal Bryant, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta said, “I hope that Resurrection will look different in America in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Bryant said. Referring to the COVID pandemic that killed and sickened millions around the world, Bryant said, “The second pandemic is hopelessness.”