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First of all, to everyone, have an enjoyable and safe Independence Day and extended weekend. I pray you have time, regardless your personal and political beliefs, to reflect on the blessings we have in this nation, made possible by the Will of God and His Divine Providence.
I'd personally like for this to be a day void of politics, and yes, it would help if our President would hold off on signing his major legislative victory (which gained passage in the House yesterday) until Monday. It is gaudy, IMHO, to attempt to draw parallels between the significant event associated with July 4th, the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress in 1776, and what amounts to current tax and policy legislation.
Then again, our President is not known for subtly. The branding of what now sits on his desk, his “One Big Beautiful Bill,” reminds me immediately of current (heel) professional wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) and his nickname for the World Championship in his promotion (AEW) as the “Big Beautiful Belt,” or “Triple-B” for short.
MJF is a very, very good heel. In recent times, he's even taken his gimmick to portraying a heelish display consistent with characatures of overzealous American nationalism. If you're unhappy with President Trump’s One “Triple-B,” then MJF's MAGA-ish heel gimmick should track nicely for you to boo against (as kayfabe would want and need you to do).
As for the Bill itself, I described it to my students this week as the “Rise of the Reconciliation Omnibus,” a title deserving of a poster for a cheap horror movie from the 50's you've likely seen skewered by the cast of “MST3K.” From an objective legislative perspective, it's another step downward in the inability of our elected officials to conduct their business in an appropriate and professional manner.
Opinions on the policy within the legislation itself (tax cuts, spending on immigration enforcement and defense, etc.) are going to vary. The biggest issue for now is the impact this legislation has on funding for and accessibility to Medicaid, which now creates a need for action by the States.
With the reduction in funding from Washington, the fiscal “Trojan Horse” states welcomed in with their adoption of Medicaid expansion has now been cut open. Even with the implementation of work requirements and other measures to reduce enrollment, States will have to find ways to either increase their financial support (this is what Senator Tillis was talking about) or pull back on availability. Naturally, the later will create challenges for households and could lead to reductions to the supply of Healthcare services, especially in rural areas where hospitals find themselves more dependent on Medicaid reimbursements.
What the impact actually looks like is uncertain. The Administration didn't do anything to discuss how their support for Medicaid cuts and reform could achieve positive changes with respect to influencing employment, alternative means of Healthcare delivery, or much of anything. They've left the “muddling through” to the states and the marketplace, and while that's where the real work will find itself taking place in order for there to be any chance of successful adaptations to this new reality, more appropriate communication would at least alert and prepare those effected and responsible for associated policy to what’s to come.
All of this, again, is why I'd rather see this bill get signed into law on Monday. If the President stepped back and found a moment's worth of modesty, he'd see that today, our Independence Day, should be a day for all Americans to enjoy and not specifically think about politics. He can wait a couple more days for his personal “win.”
Over the weekend, I'll provide some links to analysis on what the President's One “Triple-B” means with respect to policy. For now, enjoy Independence Day.
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