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ACA Deadline Nears as 20 million Brace for Higher Health Costs

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The Affordable Care Act subsidies that help more than 20 million people pay for health insurance are set to expire at the end of the month.

Published

3 months ago

December 2, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The Affordable Care Act subsidies that help more than 20 million people pay for health insurance are set to expire at the end of the month. Congress is running out of time to prevent steep premium hikes across the country, and families who rely on marketplace coverage face growing uncertainty while political leaders argue over what to do next.

President Donald Trump has sent mixed signals on whether he will support a short-term extension. “Somebody said I want to extend it for two years. I do not want to extend it for two years. I would rather not extend them at all,” said Trump in an exchange with reporters on Air Force One. He added that “some kind of an extension may be necessary to get something else done because the unaffordable care act has been a disaster. It is a disaster,” he said during the weeklong scramble that followed the shutdown agreement.

Inside Congress, Republicans are split. Some want new income limits and other restrictions on the subsidies. Others are pushing broader overhauls built around individual health spending accounts and different benefit structures. Negotiations were jolted when word leaked that the White House had considered a temporary extension framework, only for the plan to be shelved after conservative backlash.

Moderate Republicans say any serious proposal must have the president’s backing. “The president has got to sign whatever we do, otherwise it is a legislative exercise,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, who is working on a bipartisan plan that mirrors elements of the shelved White House framework.

Democrats argue that the public is on their side. They point to KFF polling that showed 78 percent of Americans support extending the ACA tax credits, including 59 percent of Republicans. They also note that an estimated 22 million marketplace enrollees currently receive subsidies to lower their monthly premiums.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota, said Senate Democrats will force a vote before the end of the year under a deal struck to reopen the government. “That vote will happen. And whether it will pass is in the hands of Donald Trump and the Republicans,” Klobuchar stated in a televised interview.

The House is a tougher road. Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, has declined to commit to any vote on extending the subsidies and has criticized the current credits. He called the ACA tax credit structure a “boondoggle,” said Johnson earlier this month.

Democrats warn that failure to act will put real money on the line for families and may reshape next year’s midterm campaigns. Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, said internal polling has already made the stakes clear for Republicans. “The pollsters have obviously told them that they are going to get their clocks cleaned if they do not fix the health care mess they created,” he remarked. “They may hate the ACA and Barack Obama so much they are willing to lose an election.”

D.C. ACA Subsidy Deadline Story

D.C. Region Faces ACA Shock as Subsidy Deadline Closes In

The looming expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies threatens to send insurance premiums sharply higher for residents across the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. The Washington region sits at the center of a national political fight, but the consequences for local families could be immediate if Congress does not act before the end of the month.

Kaiser Family Foundation data show that more than 682,000 people in the four jurisdictions bought coverage on the ACA exchange this year. The share receiving advance premium tax credits includes 28 percent of enrollees in D.C., 78 percent in Maryland, 87 percent in Virginia, and 98 percent in West Virginia.

For older households in the region, the numbers are stark. A 60-year-old couple with an income of $85,000 would face an average monthly premium increase of $1,900 if subsidies disappear, according to Kaiser. In Virginia, the same couple would see increases between about $1,200 and $1,400 per month. In Maryland, the jump would still be roughly $1,100 a month. District families who rely on marketplace coverage are in similar danger if Congress lets the credits lapse.

The Senate is expected to vote in early December, honoring a commitment from Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, who promised Democrats a floor vote to end the 43-day shutdown. That agreement gave the Democratic caucus the right to bring forward an ACA-related bill this month.

The House remains the major roadblock. Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, has refused to guarantee a vote on any extension and has criticized the ACA tax credits. Johnson referred to the subsidies as a “boondoggle,” said Johnson during the recent funding fight.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat from New York, is trying to force the issue. Jeffries filed a discharge petition to bring a three-year extension bill to the floor and has warned colleagues that time is short. “There are just 13 legislative days left before the Affordable Care Act tax credits expire,” wrote Jeffries in a letter to House members. “We only need a handful of Republicans to join us in order to save the healthcare of tens of millions of Americans,” said Jeffries.

Some Republicans in swing districts have backed shorter extensions or bipartisan compromise bills with new eligibility limits. One of the key negotiators is Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, who has been working with Democrats on a plan that mirrors elements of a leaked White House framework. “The president has got to sign whatever we do, otherwise it is a legislative exercise,” said Fitzpatrick.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota, said Senate Democrats will not let the issue slide. “That vote will happen. And whether it will pass is in the hands of Donald Trump and the Republicans,” said Klobuchar during an appearance on CNN.

President Donald Trump has also added uncertainty. “Somebody said I want to extend it for two years. I do not want to extend it for two years. I would rather not extend them at all,” said Trump while flying on Air Force One. He also said that “some kind of an extension may be necessary to get something else done because the unaffordable care act has been a disaster. It is a disaster,” said Trump as aides weighed how to handle the deadline.

Democrats warn that communities in and around the nation’s capital will feel the pain if the subsidies expire and premiums spike. Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, said Republicans are allowing their hostility toward the law and its namesake to override political self-interest. “The pollsters have obviously told them that they are going to get their clocks cleaned if they do not fix the health care mess they created. They may hate the ACA and Barack Obama so much they are willing to lose an election,” said Murphy.

Stacy M. Brown

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#NNPA BlackPress

Poll Shows Support for Policies That Help Families Afford Child Care

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

Published

3 days ago

March 2, 2026

Oakland Post

By First Five Years Fund

New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

The national survey was conducted by UpOne Insight on behalf of the First Five Years Fund from January 13–18, 2026.

Key findings include:

• Parents need help: 80% of voters say the ability of working parents to find and afford child care is either in a state of crisis or a major problem.

• This is an affordability issue: 82% believe federal child care funding will help lower costs for working families — including 69% of Republicans, 84% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats.

• And there continues to be strong support (62%) for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), a federal program that makes it possible for hundreds of thousands of families to afford safe, quality care for their children while parents work or go to school, including a majority of Republicans, 63% of Independents and 72% of Democrats.

• Support for funding child care programs remains strong: 75% believe child care funding should be increased or kept at current levels — including 75% of Republicans, 85% of Independents, and 97% of Democrats.

• 74% say funding for child care is an important and good use of tax dollars, including a majority of Republicans, three-quarters of Independents, and nine in ten Democrats.

FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling said, “Voters across the country are sending a clear message: federal child care and early learning programs work. These investments help parents stay in the workforce, strengthen families, and support healthy child development. They have also long had strong bipartisan support in Congress. At a time when affordability is top of mind for families, continued federal funding is essential to ensure child care remains accessible and within reach.”

First Five Years Fund works to protect, prioritize, and build bipartisan support for quality child care and early learning programs at the federal level. Reliable, affordable, and high-quality early learning and child care can be transformative, not only enhancing a child’s prospects for a brighter future but also bolstering working parents and fostering economic stability nationwide.

We work with Congress and the Administration to identify federal solutions that work for families with young children, as well as states and communities. We work with policymakers to identify ways to increase access to affordable, high-quality child care and early learning programs for children. And we collaborate with advocacy groups to help align best practices with the best possible policies. http://www.ffyf.org

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Trump’s MAGA Allies are Creating Executive Order Plan to Steal the 2026 Midterms

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

Published

6 days ago

February 27, 2026

Oakland Post

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

A group of MAGA pro-Trump activists, who say they are working in coordination with the White House, are circulating a 17-page draft executive order that would claim without evidence that China interfered with the 2020 presidential election. Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential to President Joe Biden by over 7 million votes. Since Trump lost to Biden in 2020, he has repeatedly claimed that the election was “stolen” without evidence. The report of a group of “Trump allies” preparing an executive order to give Trump power over elections was first reported by The Washington Post.

The lies around the right-wing campaign that pushed falsehoods that the 2020 election was stolen was trafficked through right-wing media, particularly Fox News. Fox News was then sued for defamation for the claims by Dominion Voting Systems. Fox lost the case and had to settle for the largest defamation amount on record of $787.5 million in April 2023.

The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

The story in The Washington Post arrives as Trump increasingly signals that he may take actions that would alter the result of the 2026 midterms. The Republicans are widely expected to lose as their approval ratings plummet as a result of a failing economy under Trump. Over 50 members of Congress have announced they will retire this year and not return in 2027.

The Trump Department of Justice, which now has a large image of Trump on the side of it, “sued five new states Thursday [Feb. 26, 2026] demanding access to their unredacted voter rolls — escalating a campaign that has been rejected by multiple federal courts and faces resistance from Republican-led states as well,” according to Democracy Docket, a group that works to protect voting rights.

Trump claimed back in late 2020, the last year of his first term, that he had the authority to issue an executive order related to mail-in voting for the 2020 elections — which he would then lose. But the Constitution states that control of elections lies with the states. As the GOP works to place hurdles in front of voting, Democrats worked to make voting easier.

In March 2021, President Biden signed an executive order calling on federal agencies to expand voting access as part of the Biden Administration’s effort “to promote and defend the right to vote for all Americans who are legally entitled to participate in elections.”

Trump’s focus is clearly on altering the November 2026 midterm elections. Trump’s polling numbers and the elections and special elections that have taken place around the U.S. over the last year clearly indicate that Republicans are about to be hit by a blue wave of Democratic victories.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent investigative journalist and the founder of Black Virginia News. She is a political analyst who appears on #RolandMartinUnfiltered and hosts the show LAUREN LIVE on YouTube @LaurenVictoriaBurke. She can be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

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PRESS ROOM: NBA Hall of Fame Nominee Terry Cummings Joins 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to Launch Victory & Values Initiative

NNPA NEWSWIRE — NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th.

Published

6 days ago

February 27, 2026

admin

Cummings becomes an honorary member, joining other role model sports stars

NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings has officially become an honorary member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, marking a powerful new chapter for the 100 Black Men and youth development across the region.

Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th. The moment signified more than membership — it marked the launch of the organization’s transformative new platform, the Victory & Values Initiative.

The Victory & Values Initiative is a groundbreaking youth development program designed to empower elementary and middle school students through a dynamic blend of sports, mentorship, and STEM exposure. The initiative focuses on building health, discipline, character, leadership, and access to opportunity — creating pathways for long-term academic and personal success.

“This is about more than sports,” said Cummings during the ceremony. “It’s about using the platform of athletics to teach life lessons, create access, and build the next generation of leaders.”

The induction ceremony also featured notable guests including NASCAR’s newest Star Driver, Lavar Scott and NASCAR Director of Athletic Performance, Phil Horton, who joined Cummings for a powerful Victory & Values Town Hall discussion. The Town Hall was moderated by renowned Sports Emcee John Hollins and focused on leadership, resilience, discipline, and the importance of mentorship in shaping young lives.

A “Day at NASCAR” for 75+ Youth

Cummings wasted no time getting to work. On his first full day as an honorary member, he joined his new brothers of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to host a “Day at NASCAR,” escorting more than 75 youth to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at EchoPark Motor Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway).

The youth participants received behind-the-scenes access including: an exclusive tour of Pit Row, access to the Garage Area and exploration of the interactive Fan Zone.

The experience culminated with a surprise meet-and-greet and Q&A session with NASCAR Superstar Bubba Wallace, who shared insights on perseverance, preparation, and breaking barriers in professional sports.

The day served as a living example of the ‘Victory & Values’ Initiative in action — exposing youth to new industries, expanding their vision for the future, and connecting them directly with high- level mentors and role models.

Building Leaders Through Access and Mentorship

The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County – a chapter of the largest, national mentoring organization in the county – continues to expand its footprint with programs focused on academic excellence, economic empowerment, leadership development, and health & wellness.

The launch of ‘Victory & Values’ represents a strategic expansion of the organization’s impact

intentionally integrating athletics and STEM to engage youth at an early age while reinforcing core principles such as integrity, accountability, teamwork, and perseverance.

“Our mission has always been to mentor the next generation,” said Vaughn Irons, President-Elect of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County. “With Terry Cummings joining the brotherhood, along with partners in NASCAR and professional sports, we are creating unprecedented access and exposure for our youth. Victory & Values is about turning inspiration into structured opportunity.”

By connecting elementary and middle school students to professional athletes, executives, STEM professionals, and community leaders, the initiative aims to:

Increase youth exposure to careers in sports business, engineering, and performance science
Strengthen mentorship pipelines
Promote physical wellness and mental resilience
Build character-driven leadership at an early age

Open Invitation to Youth and Families

All youth are invited to participate in the Victory & Values Initiative, along with the other countless, impactful programs offered by the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County.

Parents and guardians seeking mentorship, leadership development, academic enrichment, and transformative exposure opportunities for their children are encouraged to connect with the organization.

As NBA Legend Terry Cummings’ induction demonstrates, Victory & Values is more than a program — it is a movement designed to build champions in life, not just in sports.

For more information about the Victory & Values Initiative or to enroll a student, contact: 100 Black Men of DeKalb County at Phone at 404.241.1338, info@100bmod.org or Tee Foxx at 404.791.6525,