CDC in a Death Spiral

Miles Baker and Dr. Rob Davidson break down the week in health politics: surprise primary results across Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota show healthcare access becoming a defining issue for Democratic candidates even as national narratives miss what’s actually happening on the ground. Then, eight red states move to skip a federal grace period and impose harsher Medicaid work-reporting requirements, despite data showing most recipients already work. We explain how this seems to be more about paperwork and reporting requirements rather than WORK requirements Plus: Trump’s former personal lawyer Todd Blanche is confirmed as Attorney General with the help of Senator Bill Cassidy, and the FDA approves flavored nicotine pouches like “Rich Berry” amid new scrutiny over tobacco industry political donations. For our interview, we welcome back Yolanda Jacobs, president of AFGE Local 2883, which is the union representing workers at the CDC. She returns to give an unflinching, on-the-ground account of what CDC employees have endured over the past year. It was one year ago that the agency endured a shooting that killed officer David Rose. Jacobs shares her thoughts on RFK Jr.’s first campus visit since the tragedy, the widespread reductions in force, denied disability accommodations, and a workforce she describes as being in a “death spiral.” LINKS * Dr. Abdul El-Sayed’s Medicare for All webpage * William Lawrence speaking the day after he won his primary * Will Lawrence’s platform webpage * Francesca Hong’s policy webpage * David Crowley’s positions webpage * Peggy Flanagan’s priorities webpage * POLITICO: The Trump admin offered sick Medicaid patients a 1-year lifeline. These red states are rejecting it. * Foundation for Government Accountability: How CMS Can Block States From Abusing Exemptions To Medicaid Work Requirements * KFF Health News: Understanding the Intersection of Medicaid and Work: An Update * Center for Reproductive Rights: Senate Confirms Anti-Abortion Extremist for Attorney General * The Guardian: Judge reprimands Trump lawyer but holds off on gag order ruling * Justice Connection: Fact Sheet on Todd Blanche’s Devastating Leadership at the Justice Department * New York City Bar: Opposition to Todd Blanche Nomination for U.S. Attorney General * The Hill: FDA approves some flavored vapes after reports of Trump pressure * The Hill: FDA authorizes 4 flavored nicotine pouches * NPR: Nicotine pouches can be marketed as ‘lower risk’ than cigarettes. Is that dangerous? * STAT: Senate inquiry suggests Trump administration softened kratom and tobacco policies in quid pro quo * AFGE Local 2883 on Instagram * MedPage Today: I Thought the CDC Shooting Was Rock Bottom. We’re Still Sinking. * CNN: One year after shooting, CDC workers say they still feel like targets Join the fight at committeetoprotect.org. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@pagingamerica Subscribe, share, and leave a rating to help more people find Paging America. Have thoughts, questions, or your own health care story? Email us at [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pagingamerica.org/subscribe