CAP Action Storytellers in the News

Chapters

Chapters
Share
Share
- Twitter
- Facebook
- LinkedIn
- Bluesky
- Email
- Print

Personal StoryJanuary 13, 2026 Jan 13, 2026

CAP Action Storytellers in the News

This webpage features a collection of news coverage highlighting CAP Action storytellers.

Building an Economy for All, Strengthening Health, Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice, Affordable Care Act, Economic Justice, Economy, Environmental and Climate Justice, Family Economic Security, Health, Health Care Costs, Health Coverage and Access, Middle-Class Economics, Reconciliation +10 More

Economic justice

Colorado

“Medicaid recipients in Colorado would be required to work under new proposal” (Denver7): Segment featuring Colorado’s Meg Moore speaking about Medicaid and work requirements ahead of House Energy and Commerce Committee markup
“‘Everyone would lose their jobs’: Local business worries about worst-case scenario if Medicaid is gutted” (9News): Segment featuring Colorado’s Meg Moore speaking about how Medicaid cuts would close her workplace, which relies on Medicaid funds to hire job coaches who train disabled workers

Iowa

“U.S. House approves Trump’s tax and spending bill. What it means for Iowa” (The Gazette): Article about impacts on Iowans featuring the story of Iowan Patrick Kearns‚ who relies on Medicaid as well as the VA Medical Center he works at as a nurse—and who directly calls out Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) for voting against families like his

Maine

“Trump’s tax, spending law will slash food assistance for thousands of Mainers” (Portland Press Herald): Story about the impact of the Big Beautiful Bill’s SNAP cuts on Mainers such as Kasey McBlais, a single mother living in rural Buckfield who says that without SNAP, she wouldn’t be able to put food on the table for her two children
“Mainers grapple with impact of President Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ on SNAP benefits” (News Center Maine): Segment featuring Kasey McBlais—a single working mom of two from Buckfield, an area considered a food desert—who, after going through a divorce, applied for SNAP to help support her family, in a story highlighting how Mainers are grappling with concerns about how the Big Beautiful Bill could affect their ability to afford and access food
“170,000 Mainers won’t get November SNAP benefits. Blame the shutdown.” (Portland Press Herald): Local article about the estimated 170,000 Mainers who won’t receive November SNAP benefits—including storyteller Kasey McBlais, a single mother of two children in rural Maine, who is worried about losing the $600 in SNAP benefits her family receives every month

Michigan

“Trump’s tariffs could mean higher prices for Michigan businesses and consumers” (The Michigan Independent): Story about the impacts of Trump’s tariffs on Michigan businesses and consumers, in which Felicia Wiseman—a Detroit resident who works as a recruitment officer for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 58, shares her perspective
“Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib holds town hall in Macomb County as John James remains MIA” (The ‘Gander): Article covering “empty chair” town halls in Michigan’s 10th Congressional District and Taylor Johnson’s remarks about her son’s access to Medicaid
“Senate passes ‘big, beautiful bill:’ What it means for Michigan” (Bridge Michigan): Article featuring Karianne Martus, manager of the Flint Farmers Market, sharing how SNAP cuts could be destabilizing for thousands of households in Genesee County, Michigan, and Flint Farmers Market patrons, many of whom take advantage of Double Up Food Bucks or other food assistance programs to access fresh fruits and vegetables

Missouri

“Missouri SNAP beneficiary concerned about losing benefits under U.S. budget bill” (KFVS-TV): Segment and article about how the Big Beautiful Bill’s cuts will affect Missourians like Matt Kimberlin, who relies on SNAP

New Jersey

“Big Beautiful Bill’s Medicaid and SNAP cuts will be devastating to New Jersey families” (The New Jersey Independent): Profile of Theresa Luoni’s family’s Medicaid experience in New Jersey and what she fears will happen to her two sons who need Medicaid for care
“Sherrill campaign pledges to stop rising electric bills in New Jersey” (The New Jersey Independent): Story featuring New Jersey single mother Theresa Luoni, who speaks about rising costs and utility bills
“New Jersey families say an increased sales tax would make life worse” (The New Jersey Independent): Cost-of-living story featuring New Jerseyan Sherrill DeGenova, who weaves together how rising costs, a proposed sales tax of 10 percent by Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli, and Medicaid cuts would hurt her family
“Ciattarelli’s income tax proposal would be expensive for New Jerseyans” (The New Jersey Independent): Article about New Jersey single mother of two Theresa Luoni’s perspective on how Republican tax plans would further hurt working families like her own

North Carolina

“‘Distraught and pissed off’: Businesses, providers sound alarm over cracks in NC child care industry” (NC Newsline): Story about the cost of living and child care crisis in North Carolina featuring storyteller child care provider Cassandra Brooks, the owner and operator of Little Believer’s Academy, which runs two child care centers serving Garner and Clayton
“State leaders, local nonprofits weigh in on SNAP benefit cuts across Carolinas” (WCNC): Local TV story and article about the devastating impact of November SNAP benefits not being administered during the government shutdown, featuring storyteller Tina Postel, CEO of Nourish Up, a network of emergency food pantries in Charlotte
“How severe will SNAP disruption be for NC families?” (Carolina Public Press): Article about the impacts of the November 2025 SNAP disruption on North Carolina families, featuring perspective from Tina Postel, CEO of Nourish Up, a network of emergency food pantries in Charlotte

Ohio

“Ohio food pantry director fears impact from proposed SNAP cuts” (WSYX): Story featuring Ohio storyteller Kathy Kelly-Long, director of the Broad Street Food Pantry at Broad Street Presbyterian Church, who discusses the devastating local impacts of proposed $290 billion cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by the House Committee on Agriculture, coupled with proposed Medicaid cuts
“Central Ohio residents raise concerns about potential cuts to Medicaid, SNAP” (WBNS-TV): Local Iowa segment featuring Kyle Garvey speaking about the services he receives through Medicaid, with Kathy Kelly-Long also sharing the devastation that would occur at her food pantry if SNAP is cut
“Columbus food pantry sounds alarm on proposed federal cuts to SNAP assistance” (WOSU Public Media): Radio segment featuring Kathy Kelly-Long, an Ohio food pantry leader, sharing how SNAP cuts would seriously harm Columbus community members
“At an Ohio food bank, fears that Republican cuts will overwhelm an overstretched program” (Ohio Capital Journal): Profile of Kathy Kelly-Long, who runs Columbus’ Broad Street Presbyterian Church food pantry, speaking about impacts that the Big Beautiful Bill will have on the pantry and the community it serves

Pennsylvania

“What Trump’s tariffs could mean for Pennsylvania businesses and consumers” (The Pennsylvania Independent): Story about the impacts of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Pennsylvania businesses and consumers, including Melissa Rivers’ restaurant in Plymouth
“Many in Susquehanna Valley eye anticipated House vote on federal tax, spending bill” (WGAL): Local TV interview featuring Pennsylvanian Paula Bussard discussing how Medicaid cuts would harm her adult son, Alex, who relies on Medicaid for coverage
“Medicaid, SNAP were essential for these people. Now the programs’ funding is in jeopardy” (The Pennsylvania Independent): Story where Pennsylvanians Erinn Batykefer, Melissa Rinker, and Jen Bailey highlight the severe impacts that Medicaid and SNAP cuts would have
“With potential SNAP freeze looming, area food banks scramble to help those in need” (WFMZ): Local story about the harm of November SNAP benefits not reaching recipients in Pennsylvania, featuring perspective from SNAP storyteller Terri Neifert, a senior living on a fixed income who relies on SNAP dollars to make ends meet

Wisconsin

“Federal funding freeze creates chaos for Wisconsin Head Start programs” (The Wisconsin Independent): Story about how the federal funding freeze affected Wisconsin Head Start programs, with Jen Bailey, the executive director of Dane County Head Start operator Reach Dane, speaking out about impacts
“SNAP funding in Wisconsin is running out. Farmers and businesses brace for impact” (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel): Local article about the impact of November SNAP funding running out in Wisconsin during the government shutdown, featuring insights from Wisconsin storyteller Kris Koch, manager of the Janesville Farmers Market, which accepts SNAP dollars and serves a food desert community
“From fields to fridges: How the government shutdown is impacting farmers across America” (WMTW): Local TV story and article featuring Darin Von Ruden, president of the Wisconsin Farmers Union, speaking about the impact of the government shutdown on Wisconsin farmers

National

“Inflation is creeping higher, with some Americans saying they’re squeezed: ‘It’s really challenging’” (CBS News): Article featuring Kasey McBlais, a Maine single mother of two children, speaking about inflation, tariffs, and the cost-of-living issues facing her family
“People with disabilities are bracing for the impacts of Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’” (Prism Reports): Story featuring Michigan’s Adam Hazlett and Iowa’s Nancy Baker Curtis and Alex Watters, who discuss the range of impacts the Big Beautiful Bill will have on Americans with disabilities
“Head Start leader advocates for families depending on government assistance” (ABC News): Interview with Joel Ryan, executive director of the Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP, who explains how health care cuts harm families served by Head Start and details how an extended government shutdown could affect Head Start programs across the country
“With food stamps set to dry up Nov. 1, SNAP recipients say they fear what’s next” (CBS News): A story about the devastating impact of November SNAP benefits not being administered during the government shutdown, featuring storyteller Kasey McBlais, a single mother of two children and SNAP recipient in rural Maine
“Millions of Americans may lose food assistance Saturday” (CNN via YouTube): Live national TV segment featuring Maine SNAP storyteller Kasey McBlais, who shares how the lapse in SNAP benefits will affect her and her two kids who rely on the program
“‘I fought lots of feelings of shame and embarrassment’: Mother who uses SNAP talks about stigma around using food stamps” (CNN) Live national TV segment featuring Maine SNAP storyteller Kasey McBlais, who shares how the lapse in SNAP benefits will affect her and her two kids who rely on the program
“Terrified moms speak out, say their kids face starvation as SNAP benefits expire: ‘We have nothing’” (New York Post): National story featuring Kelli Austin, a Maine mom of three, talking about the impact of SNAP benefits not being given to families like hers
“‘Get it together’: Mom calls on Congress to end shutdown | Morning in America” (NewsNation): National live TV segment featuring Kelli Austin, a Maine mom of three, talking about the impact of SNAP benefits not being given to families like hers

Health care costs

Arizona

“How the ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ could affect Medicaid in Arizona” (KGUN 9): Local TV segment and article about how Medicaid cuts will affect Arizonans, including Garrett Newell, who lives with cerebral palsy
“Medicaid enrollees fear losing health coverage if Congress enacts work requirements” (The Associated Press): Story where Arizonan Steve Furman speaks out about how the impacts of proposed work requirements on Medicaid enrollees would affect his son
“Arizona family worried over possible Medicaid cuts in ‘big, beautiful’ budget bill” (FOX 10 Phoenix): Profile of Arizonans Mary Beth and Steve Furman speaking about their fear of their son losing Medicaid coverage
“Some Arizonans hope looming government shutdown will force negotiations over health care costs” (KJZZ): Article featuring Arizona storyteller Steve Gomez, a self-employed father of three, who shares that his health care costs will likely skyrocket following the expiration of ACA premium tax credits
“Jeffries calls out Republicans over Medicaid ahead of final megabill vote” (Politico): Coverage of House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) sharing the Medicaid story of Arizona’s Garrett Newell on the Hill
“How will changes to Medicaid in Trump’s new plan impact Arizonans?” (ABC15 Arizona via YouTube): Local TV segment featuring Mary Beth Furman and Brandi Coon speaking about the impacts that Medicaid cuts would have on their children, who rely on the program
“Why costs for Affordable Care Act health plans in Arizona could soar in 2026” (The Arizona Republic): Profile of Arizona storyteller Steve Gomez, who shares that he and his wife are both independent contractors who rely on the ACA marketplace to access health care for themselves and their three children, including their middle son, Anthony, who has ongoing health challenges related to a heart transplant he had as an infant

Colorado

“Colorado would lose billions in Medicaid funding under House Republicans’ plan” (The Denver Post): Article featuring Colorado’s Meg Moore speaking about the impacts of Medicaid cuts on the job training program she oversees for Coloradans with disabilities

Iowa

“‘Think about the children’: Central Iowa family concerned about potential cuts to Medicaid” (KCCI): Local segment featuring Iowa mother and teacher Nancy Baker Curtis sharing the story of her son Charlie, who relies on Medicaid
“Congress passes budget bill with deep cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. What that means for Iowa” (Des Moines Register): Article covering the immense impact of congressional cuts to Medicaid and SNAP on Iowans, including nurse Patrick Kearns and mother Nancy Baker Curtis
“‘Angry doesn’t begin to describe what I feel’ Iowan says of Sen. Ernst’s Medicaid response” (KGAN): TV segment and article featuring Iowa nurse and union President Patrick Kearns, who replies to Sen. Joni Ernst’s (R-IA) “we all are going to die” comments about Medicaid cuts
“Looking at the proposed Medicaid cuts inside the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’” (KTIV): Local TV segment and article featuring Medicaid recipient Alex Watters of Iowa, who explains the impact that Medicaid cuts would have on him and other Iowans
“Protect Our Care Iowa speaks out about Big, Beautiful, Bill” (KCAU): Article featuring Medicaid recipient Alex Watters of Iowa, who speaks out about the impact Medicaid cuts would have on him and other Iowans
“Sioux City Council member expresses concern about possible federal Medicaid cuts” (Siouxland Public Media): Local radio segment featuring Alex Watters talking about the impact Medicaid cuts would have on him and other Iowans
“‘It’s a different way of being.’ A cure for autism isn’t what these families say they need” (USA Today): Story featuring Amber Gustafson, an Iowa mother whose 21-year-old son has autism, who rejects President Trump’s claims about autism and shares her son’s story
“What ACA subsidy expiration means for Iowa families as shutdown looms” (The Gazette): Article featuring Iowa ACA storytellers Amber Gustafson and Lori Hunt, who explain how the expiration of ACA premium tax credits would significantly increase their health care costs and, in Lori’s case, force her to give up her health insurance
“Democrats want tax credits for health care included in spending package” (Our Quad Cities): Story where Iowa ACA storytellers Amber Gustafson and Lori Hunt share how the expiration of the ACA tax credit would affect their lives and their health care access
“Iowans brace for impact as government shutdown looms” (Local 5 We Are Iowa): Story where Iowa ACA storyteller Lori Hunt shares how much she needs her enhanced premium tax credit as a cancer survivor who, unfortunately, lost her job
“Iowa Republicans, Democrats clash over blame as federal government shuts down” (The Gazette): Article in which Lori Hunt of Iowa shares her experience relying on premium tax credits to help pay for her cancer remission maintenance
“Open enrollment for ACA health coverage starts Nov. 1. Here is what’s changing and how to get help” (The Gazette): Article featuring ACA storyteller Lori Hunt of Iowa speaking about changes to the ACA marketplace ahead of open enrollment
“Iowans still in limbo as healthcare talks set to begin in Congress” (Local 5 We Are Iowa): Local TV segment and article about the status of ACA subsidies after the government shutdown’s conclusion, featuring perspectives from Iowa storyteller Amber Gustafson, who relies on the ACA marketplace for care
“Breast cancer survivor says insurance will cost more than mortgage if subsidies expire” (CBS News): National TV segment featuring Iowa storyteller and cancer survivor Lori Hunt speaking about the importance of ACA subsidies

Maine

“Mainers to Collins: Prioritize our health, renew ACA tax credits” (Maine Beacon): Article in which Portland small-business owner Andrew Volk gives insight into why Mainers are demanding that Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) renew the ACA tax credits
“As Congress begins health care debate, Mainers grapple with insurance price hikes” (Maine Morning Star): Article featuring Maine storytellers Julie Moringello and Andrew Volk, who speak about how important the marketplace and subsidies are for their health care access

Michigan

“Michigan’s rural hospitals, nursing homes would bear the brunt of federal Medicaid cuts” (The Michigan Independent): Article about the impact of federal Medicaid cuts on Michigan’s rural hospitals and nursing homes featuring Kirsten Grady, a Lansing-area social worker who has worked with older people and individuals in rural areas
“What happens when Congress slashes Medicaid? Ask a Michigan mom.” (The ‘Gander): Mother’s Day story featuring Michigan mom storytellers Taylor Johnson and Marie Adkins discussing how Medicaid cuts would affect their families and communities
“Letter by Warren mom with special needs son has Medicaid plea read on Capitol Hill” (FOX 2): Local TV segment featuring Taylor Johnson of Michigan sharing her family’s Medicaid story and what’s at stake—after Rep. Debbie Dingell read a letter during House Energy and Commerce Committee markups earlier that week
“Michigan woman worries how possible Medicaid cuts could impact her mother” (CBS News): Local TV segment and article featuring Megan Callahan of Michigan speaking about how proposed Medicaid cuts in the Big Beautiful Bill would affect her mother with dementia, who relies on Medicaid for care in her rural area
“Michigan healthcare workers say potential Medicaid cuts would be detrimental” (WILX): Local TV interview with OBGYN Nancy Herta speaking about how Medicaid cuts will harm Michiganders
“‘Big, beautiful bill’ Medicaid cuts could affect 700,000 Michiganders — including George” (Detroit Free Press): Article featuring Michigan storytellers Megan Callahan and Taylor Johnson and her son George discussing the impacts that proposed Medicaid cuts in the reconciliation bill would have on Michiganders like them
“Michigan advocates, families push back against proposed Medicaid cuts at Macomb County forum” (Michigan Advance): Article featuring Michigander Megan Callahan speaking about how proposed Medicaid cuts would affect her mother’s dementia care
“Michigan Democrats begin highlighting constituents impacted by Medicaid cuts in Trump tax bill” (Michigan Advance): Article highlighting Taylor Johnson and her son George, who relies on Medicaid, after Taylor’s visit to Washington, D.C., as a guest of Rep. Debbie Dingell
“Rural maternity wards face crisis” (ABC News): Video reporting about the Big Beautiful Bill’s impacts on rural maternity wards, featuring insight from Michigan OBGYN Nancy Herta, who shares the difficulties some of her patients face when accessing maternity care in rural Michigan

Missouri

“Letter: Burlison should fight for constituents and protect Medicaid and SNAP” (Springfield Daily Citizen): Letter to the editor from Missouri storyteller Matt Kimberlin pressuring Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) to vote no on SNAP and Medicaid cuts
“Hundreds of thousands could lose Medicaid and SNAP benefits in Missouri, Kansas” (The Beacon): Profile of Missouri storyteller Crystal Lyon, who speaks out about the impact Medicaid cuts would have on her family

Nebraska

“Rural health leaders are concerned about proposed federal cuts to Medicaid” (Nebraska Public Media): Local radio segment featuring Executive Director of the Nebraska Rural Health Association Jed Hansen speaking about the severe impacts Medicaid cuts would have on rural health care access in Nebraska
“Curtis clinic closure cited as first of many in Nebraska if Medicaid cuts stand, advocates warn” (Nebraska Rural Radio Association): Radio segment and article featuring Nebraska Appleseed Health Care Access Program Director Sarah Maresh’s remarks about how cuts to Medicaid will harm Nebraskans and close hospitals across the state

Nevada

“Nevadans brace for impact as Medicaid is at risk under narrowly passed Senate bill” (KRXI Fox 11): Local TV segment featuring Shelby Benzing, a University of Nevada, Reno, student living with cerebral palsy who relies on Medicaid benefits, speaking about what she could lose if Medicaid is cut

New Jersey

“How would Medicaid cuts hit NJ? Mom of disabled twins frets as GOP offers reassurances” (The Record): Article featuring New Jersey’s Theresa Luoni, a single mother of two sons with autism who rely on Medicaid, speaking out against Medicaid cuts
“As Trump signs domestic policy bill, some families worry about Medicaid cuts” (CBS News): Segment featuring New Jersey mother Theresa Luoni sharing her concern about what’s at stake for her sons, who rely on Medicaid
“Why is the government shut down? Partly a fight over health care” (NJ Spotlight News): Profile of New Jersey storyteller Theresa Luoni, the single mother of twin boys with autism who rely on Medicaid, who speaks about the impacts and uncertainty of the government shutdown
“‘It Will Devastate Futures’: Single Mother Warns Against Medicaid Cuts Amid Possible Govt. Shutdown” (Forbes via YouTube): Coverage of New Jersey storyteller Theresa Luoni sharing her story as a single mother of two sons with autism who rely on Medicaid

New York

“‘It’s About Survival’: Local Residents, Healthcare Workers Fight Medicaid Cuts” (The Examiner News): Article featuring perspectives from Zach Disador of New York, who explains how the harms of proposed Medicaid cuts would ripple through communities—affecting local businesses and some of the most vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities, seniors, and low-income families

North Carolina

“Medicaid is a lifeline for this Charlotte family. Cuts could mean ‘financial ruin’” (The Charlotte Observer): Article where North Carolina mom Stacy Staggs discusses her family’s experience and the necessity of Medicaid for her daughter’s care and family’s financial security
“This Family is On the Front Lines of Trump’s Push to Cut Health Care” (Pete Buttigieg’s Substack): Pete Buttigieg interview with Stacy Staggs, a North Carolina mom, on how Medicaid cuts in the Big Beautiful Bill would affect her family
“Little Lobbyists talk about Medicaid impacts of the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’” (WCNC): Local TV segment featuring Stacy Staggs, a North Carolina mom, and fellow Little Lobbyists advocates speaking about the impacts of Medicaid cuts on their families and communities
“These NC kids rely on Medicaid to survive. Trump’s cuts could force them out of their homes.” (Cardinal & Pine): Profile of North Carolina’s Stacy Staggs and her daughter Emma’s advocacy for Medicaid on the Hill
“Letter to the Editor: Republicans’ refusal to negotiate with Democrats over funding the government is unhealthy for North Carolinians” (The Coastland Times): Letter to the editor from storyteller Laura Allendorf, who argues that congressional Republicans’ refusal to extend ACA premium tax credits, coupled with Big Beautiful Bill cuts to Medicaid, is devastating for North Carolinians

Ohio

“Columbus man with cerebral palsy fears losing housing, services with Medicaid cuts” (WSYX): Article featuring Kyle Garvey, a Columbus resident with cerebral palsy who voices concerns over potential Medicaid cuts that could drastically affect his life and jeopardize his independence

Pennsylvania

“Doylestown Resident’s Future Uncertain Due to Proposed Medicaid Cuts Supported by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick” (Bucks County Beacon): Profile of Pennsylvania’s Melissa Rinker’s Medicaid story and what’s at stake for her if the program is cut
“The ‘big, beautiful bill’ is poised to cut Medicaid. Here’s what’s at stake for five Philly area families.” (The Philadelphia Inquirer): Article featuring two Pennsylvania storytellers, Melissa Rinker and Lolly Hopwood, discussing what’s at stake for their families under the Big Beautiful Bill
“Medicaid helped save Brittanny Groover’s life. Now she’s fighting to save Medicaid.” (The Pennsylvania Independent): Profile of Pennsylvanian Brittanny Groover, who shares the story of her fight for her life after a cancer diagnosis and how it led to her fight to protect Medicaid now

Virginia

“GOP Medicaid cuts will hurt veterans, people with disabilities, local health care access” (The Virginia Independent): Article about the impact of Medicaid cuts on Virginians featuring Steve Grammer, a Roanoke resident with cerebral palsy who relies on Medicaid for home care assistance and who has no access to other insurance
“Hanover mom fears daughter with breast cancer could lose insurance due to Medicaid cuts” (The Virginia Independent): Profile of Aida Pacheco, a Virginia retiree and mother who worries that her adult daughter with breast cancer could lose necessary coverage due to Medicaid cuts

Wisconsin

“Meet A Rural Doctor Already Seeing the Impacts of Trump’s Budget” (Pete Buttigieg’s Substack): Pete Buttigieg interview of Dr. Jill McMullen about the impacts of Medicaid cuts on rural health care in Michigan
“After years of growth, advocates fear Affordable Care Act is going backward” (Wisconsin Examiner): Story about the future of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) premium tax credit subsidies, featuring quotes from Dr. Jill McMullen, a family practitioner in rural Wisconsin
“‘A giant mess’: As ACA changes threaten coverage, consequences could be widespread” (Wisconsin Examiner): A story about the future of the ACA’s premium tax credit subsidies featuring perspectives from Dr. Jill McMullen, a family practitioner in rural Wisconsin, who shares the difficulties her patients have faced
“Small business owners, employees worry about higher health insurance costs” (Wisconsin Examiner): Story featuring former Wisconsin small-business owner Chrysa Ostenso, who shares how ACA premium tax credits have significantly reduced her health care costs over the past several years
“Many Americans fear not being able to afford healthcare with ACA tax credits at risk” (WJFW): Local TV interview featuring former Wisconsin small-business owner and ACA storyteller Chrysa Ostenso, who shares that the ACA tax credits not being extended would force her to pay an extra $1,500 a month for premiums and that she could be forced to go into her 401(k) assets
“Pulling from a 401K. Going back to work. ACA costs worry self-employed” (USA Today): Article featuring ACA tax credit storyteller Chrysa Ostenso of Wisconsin, a retired small-business owner who is preparing to pull money from her 401(k) to pay for her $1,500-a-month health insurance plan once the enhanced tax credits end
“‘Please do not let them expire:’ Wisconsinite asks lawmakers to extend ACA subsidies” (Spectrum News 1): Coverage of Wisconsin storyteller Chrysa Ostenso’s remarks about the ACA tax credits at a Democratic press conference on the Hill
“Broken Promises and Political Grift: The Healthcare Debacle” (Civic Media): Local radio interview with ACA tax credit storyteller Rachel LaCasse-Ford of Wisconsin

National

“Debate Turns Raucous as House Panel Weighs Medicaid Cuts” (The New York Times): Coverage of a hearing where Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) directly addressed a family who relies on Medicaid to care for their child with Down syndrome
“Medicaid cut protesters disrupt GOP megabill markup, 26 arrested” (Politico): Coverage of Rep. Debbie Dingell’s speech to constituents Taylor Johnson and her family, who had flown to Washington for the markup and who rely on Medicaid to help their child with Down syndrome
“Key House committees pass tax and Medicaid portions of GOP’s sweeping bill for Trump’s agenda” (NBC News): Coverage of Rep. Debbie Dingell’s introduction of George, a 6-year-old with Down syndrome, whose family traveled from Michigan to the markup in Washington, D.C.
“House Panel Green-Lights Sweeping Cuts To Medicaid Despite Outcry From Disability Advocates” (Disability Scoop): Article featuring Rep. Debbie Dingell sharing the story of Michigan mom Taylor Johnson and her son George, who relies on Medicaid
“No proof of work could mean no Medicaid — and women stand to lose the most” (The 19th): Article referencing Rep. Dan Crenshaw’s (R-TX) response to Rep. Debbie Dingell sharing the story of Michigan mom Taylor Johnson and her son George, who relies on Medicaid
“26 hours and 33 failed amendment votes: This is Democrats’ masterclass in resistance” (The Washington Post): Column from Karen Tumulty capturing Democrats’ efforts to share stories in committee markups this week, featuring mention of Taylor Johnson, a Michigan mom whose story was shared by Rep. Debbie Dingell
“Democratic Rep. Katherine Clark discusses GOP megabill heading for Trump’s signature” (NPR): Segment in which Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) names Iowa storyteller Nancy Baker Curtis and her son Charlie when discussing the impacts that cuts in the reconciliation bill would have on Americans
“Congressional Democrats Hold News Conference on Women’s Health Care” (C-SPAN): Coverage of New Jersey storyteller Theresa Luoni sharing her story as a single mother of two sons with autism who rely on Medicaid at a press conference on the Hill

Environmental and climate justice

Pennsylvania

“How Steelton-Highspire’s clean energy push saved enough to fund a teacher — and then some” (The Keystone): Profile of Steelton-Highspire Superintendent Dr. Mick Iskric, who shares the story of how his school district’s transition to clean energy transformed his students’ experiences
“A light from above: How one Pennsylvania church put its faith in solar energy” (The Keystone): Story featuring parishioner Maggie Chappen, who shares the story of her church’s transition to solar energy

The positions of American Progress, and our policy experts, are independent, and the findings and conclusions presented are those of American Progress alone. American Progress would like to acknowledge the many generous supporters who make our work possible.

Authors

Sage Warner

Director, Campaigns

Serena Zets

Campaigns Manager

Don Wolford

Associate Director, Campaigns

Teams

Campaigns

A subway train pulls into the Flushing Avenue station in Brooklyn.

Economic Policy

We are focused on building an inclusive economy by expanding worker power, investing in families, and advancing a social compact that encourages sustainable and equitable growth.

CAP Action Storytellers in the News

Chapters

Share

In this article

Economic justice

Colorado

Iowa

Maine

Michigan

Missouri

New Jersey

North Carolina

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Wisconsin

National

Health care costs

Arizona

Colorado

Iowa

Maine

Michigan

Missouri

Nebraska

Nevada

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Virginia

Wisconsin

National

Environmental and climate justice

Pennsylvania

Authors

Sage Warner

Serena Zets

Don Wolford

Teams

Campaigns

Economic Policy

Preventing Premiums From Spiking in 2026 Now Depends on the Senate

Colin Seeberger on Building the Tent

Vulnerable Congressional Republicans March in Lockstep as Trump’s Net Disapproval Skyrockets

The Winning Formula: Voters Choose Candidates Who Show Energy Can Be Both Affordable and Renewable

Chad Maisel on the Cost of Housing

Sign up for updates on CAP Action events Stay tuned on future in-person and online events.

Default Opt Ins

Variable Opt Ins

Sign up for updates on CAP Action events
Stay tuned on future in-person and online events.