Why Process Matters: Health Care Reform Edition
6/9/17 //
Commentary
While attention is drawn to Comey’s very public hearing, something else is happening, largely in secret. The Senate is moving forward with a health care bill that will likely take coverage from tens of millions of Americans, and that will likely cut taxes for the wealthy on the backs of the poor.
Versus Trump: "What About Congress? + Steven Wu"
6/8/17 //
Commentary
On a new episode of Versus Trump, Take Care's podcast, Easha, Jason, and Charlie discuss Congress's role and powers in investigations of the Executive. Then, Jason talks with Steven Wu, a Deputy Solicitor General in the Office of New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, about the case against Trump University, the active role of states in recent years, and other issues in which New York is adverse to the President. Listen now!
Moral Convictions And The Contraception Exemptions
6/5/17 //
Commentary
Yet another major flaw in the draft contraception rule, which would not only allow employers to drop contraception coverage for *religious* reasons, but would also (without any lawful basis) allow employers who have *moral* objections to do the same.
Trump’s Latest Affront To Women, and to the Constitution
6/2/17 //
In-Depth Analysis
A draft of the Trump Administration's revised contraception mandate has been leaked. If implemented, this policy would weaken civil rights for women. Moreover, the plan could violate the Establishment Clause by providing a religious accommodation for some private citizens only by shifting costs to others who may not share their beliefs.
On Climate, Trump is a Mainstream Republican
6/2/17 //
Commentary
Debate over whether the world is better if we stay in or get out and the game-show-style interest that Trump (in typical Trumpian fashion) has generated regarding his BIG DECISION should not obscure two basic facts: (1) The Trump environmental policy is disastrous; and (2) when it comes to the environment and global warming especially, Trump is a mainstream Republican.
The New Contraception Rule Is Procedurally Flawed
6/1/17 //
Commentary
The Trump Department of Health and Human Services has proposed a massive expansion of the program that provides employers and exemption from providing their employees with contraceptive coverage. But they have not sought notice-and-comment on the rule, and that could be a major problem.
Versus Trump Podcast: G.G. Case + Patti Goldman
5/25/17 //
Commentary
On a new episode of Versus Trump, Take Care's podcast, we discuss the status of G.G. v. Gloucester County School Board, a major case about transgender rights, and then speak with Patti Goldman of Earthjustice about an important lawsuit that her organization has filed.
Taking the Nuclear Option Off the Table
5/23/17 //
Commentary
Last Thursday, fifteen states and the District of Columbia moved to intervene in House v. Price, the case about the ACA’s cost-sharing reductions. At the same time, they asked the court to hear the case promptly. This is a bigger deal than it may seem, and could offer some comfort to insurers that are in desperate need of it.
Let’s Not Burn The Paris Agreement To Save It
5/17/17 //
Commentary
Today on Take Care, Professor Ann Carlson offers a provocative idea. She suggests that we should be rooting—alongside EPA administrator Scott Pruitt—for the Trump Administration to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate accords. Here’s a less provocative take: No, we shouldn’t.