NEEDS EDITING
The Fulcrum strives to approach news stories with an open mind and skepticism, striving to present our readers with a broad spectrum of viewpoints through diligent research and critical thinking. As best we can, remove personal bias from our reporting and seek a variety of perspectives in both our news gathering and selection of opinion pieces. However, before our readers can analyze varying viewpoints, they must have the facts.
Medicaid is a health insurance program that helps low-income Americans pay for medical care. It's a joint program between the federal government and the states.
WHAT IS THE TOTAL COST OF MEDICAID, AND WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE BUDGET DOES IT COMPRISE?
In 2022, the total expenditure on Medicaid in the United States was approximately $824 billion. This accounted for about 19% of all healthcare expenditures in the country.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL NATIONAL HEALTHCARE COSTS IS MEDICAID?
Medicaid is a significant part of the federal budget, representing around 18% of the total national healthcare expenditure.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL US BUDGET IS MEDICAID?
Medicaid accounts for approximately 10% of the total US federal budget. This makes it one of the largest single expenditures in the federal budget, reflecting its critical role in providing healthcare to millions of Americans.
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WHO QUALIFIES FOR MEDICAID?
Medicaid eligibility varies by state, but generally, it covers several groups of people, including:
1. Low-income families: This includes parents and children who meet certain income criteria.
2. Pregnant women: Pregnant women with low income can qualify for Medicaid.
3. Children: Medicaid provides health coverage for children from low-income families.
4. Seniors: Individuals aged 65 and older who meet income and asset requirements.
5. People with disabilities: Individuals with disabilities who meet specific income and asset criteria.
6. Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Automatically qualify for Medicaid in most states.
7. Adults under 65: In states that have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, low-income adults under 65 may also qualify.
Each state has its specific eligibility criteria and income limits, so it's essential to check with your state's Medicaid office for precise information.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF ALL MEDICAID COSTS ARE PAID TO NON-CITIZENS?
Non-citizens account for a very small portion of Medicaid spending. Less than 1% of total Medicaid spending goes to emergency care for non-citizen immigrants. This includes emergency services for undocumented immigrants and lawfully present immigrants subject to a waiting period for Medicaid eligibility.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL MEDICAID COSTS ARE PAID TO SENIORS?
Seniors and people with disabilities account for a significant portion of Medicaid spending. In 2021, approximately 51% of Medicaid's funds were spent on seniors and people with disabilities. This reflects the higher healthcare costs associated with these groups due to more complex healthcare needs and higher rates of chronic conditions.
DO YOU HAVE TO BE A DOCUMENTED LEGAL IMMIGRANT TO RECEIVE MEDICAID?
Yes, to qualify for Medicaid, you generally need to be a documented legal immigrant. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for Medicaid, except for emergency services.
However, certain lawfully present immigrants, such as lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and others, may qualify for Medicaid if they meet specific eligibility criteria.
WHY DO PEOPLE OVER 65 RECEIVE MEDICAID WHEN THEY CAN RECEIVE MEDICARE INSTEAD?
Medicare and Medicaid provide health coverage but serve different purposes and populations.
Medicare is primarily for people aged 65 and older, as well as some younger individuals with disabilities. It covers services like hospital stays (Part A), outpatient care (Part B), and prescription drugs (Part D). However, Medicare has gaps in coverage, such as long-term care and some out-of-pocket costs.
Medicaid steps in to help fill those gaps for eligible seniors. Medicaid provides more comprehensive coverage, including long-term care services (like nursing home care) and additional support for medical expenses not fully covered by Medicare. This can be a significant benefit for seniors with limited incomes and resources.
So, while seniors can receive Medicare, those who qualify for Medicaid can benefit from its more extensive coverage, ensuring they get the care and support prescribed without facing financial hardships.
ARE THERE ANY STATISTIC ON HOW MANY UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS MIGHT ILLEGALLY BE RECEIVING MEDICAID?
Undocumented immigrants are generally ineligible for federal healthcare programs like Medicaid and Medicare. Due to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (PRWORA), undocumented immigrants are barred from accessing most federal benefits, including Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). They can only access emergency services, such as emergency Medicaid, if they meet all other Medicaid eligibility requirements2.
However, there are no specific statistics on how many undocumented immigrants might be illegally receiving Medicaid. The data available shows that undocumented immigrants consume only a small fraction of total health expenditures and contribute more through federal, state, and local taxes. Most undocumented immigrants do not have any health coverage apart from emergency care.
WHAT PERCENT OF TOTAL US HEALTH COSTS ARE EMERGENCY CARE VISITS NOT PAID FOR BY INSURANCE?
Emergency care visits not covered by insurance contribute significantly to healthcare costs in the United States. According to a report by the U.S. News & World Report, a substantial portion of emergency department visits are considered "avoidable" and could have been addressed by primary care providers. These avoidable visits add approximately $32 billion annually to national healthcare costs.
While specific percentages of total U.S. health costs attributed to uninsured emergency care visits are not readily available, it's clear that these visits represent a significant financial burden on the healthcare system.
All data and information were obtained from Copilot, an AI-powered chatbot owned and operated by Microsoft Corporation.
NEEDS EDITING
The Fulcrum strives to approach news stories with an open mind and skepticism, striving to present our readers with a broad spectrum of viewpoints through diligent research and critical thinking. As best we can, remove personal bias from our reporting and seek a variety of perspectives in both our news gathering and selection of opinion pieces. However, before our readers can analyze varying viewpoints, they must have the facts.
Medicaid is a health insurance program that helps low-income Americans pay for medical care. It's a joint program between the federal government and the states.
WHAT IS THE TOTAL COST OF MEDICAID, AND WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE BUDGET DOES IT COMPRISE?
In 2022, the total expenditure on Medicaid in the United States was approximately $824 billion. This accounted for about 19% of all healthcare expenditures in the country.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL NATIONAL HEALTHCARE COSTS IS MEDICAID?
Medicaid is a significant part of the federal budget, representing around 18% of the total national healthcare expenditure.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL US BUDGET IS MEDICAID?
Medicaid accounts for approximately 10% of the total US federal budget. This makes it one of the largest single expenditures in the federal budget, reflecting its critical role in providing healthcare to millions of Americans.
Sign up for The Fulcrum newsletter
WHO QUALIFIES FOR MEDICAID?
Medicaid eligibility varies by state, but generally, it covers several groups of people, including:
1. Low-income families: This includes parents and children who meet certain income criteria.
2. Pregnant women: Pregnant women with low income can qualify for Medicaid.
3. Children: Medicaid provides health coverage for children from low-income families.
4. Seniors: Individuals aged 65 and older who meet income and asset requirements.
5. People with disabilities: Individuals with disabilities who meet specific income and asset criteria.
6. Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Automatically qualify for Medicaid in most states.
7. Adults under 65: In states that have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, low-income adults under 65 may also qualify.
Each state has its specific eligibility criteria and income limits, so it's essential to check with your state's Medicaid office for precise information.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF ALL MEDICAID COSTS ARE PAID TO NON-CITIZENS?
Non-citizens account for a very small portion of Medicaid spending. Less than 1% of total Medicaid spending goes to emergency care for non-citizen immigrants. This includes emergency services for undocumented immigrants and lawfully present immigrants subject to a waiting period for Medicaid eligibility.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL MEDICAID COSTS ARE PAID TO SENIORS?
Seniors and people with disabilities account for a significant portion of Medicaid spending. In 2021, approximately 51% of Medicaid's funds were spent on seniors and people with disabilities. This reflects the higher healthcare costs associated with these groups due to more complex healthcare needs and higher rates of chronic conditions.
DO YOU HAVE TO BE A DOCUMENTED LEGAL IMMIGRANT TO RECEIVE MEDICAID?
Yes, to qualify for Medicaid, you generally need to be a documented legal immigrant. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for Medicaid, except for emergency services.
However, certain lawfully present immigrants, such as lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and others, may qualify for Medicaid if they meet specific eligibility criteria.
WHY DO PEOPLE OVER 65 RECEIVE MEDICAID WHEN THEY CAN RECEIVE MEDICARE INSTEAD?
Medicare and Medicaid provide health coverage but serve different purposes and populations.
Medicare is primarily for people aged 65 and older, as well as some younger individuals with disabilities. It covers services like hospital stays (Part A), outpatient care (Part B), and prescription drugs (Part D). However, Medicare has gaps in coverage, such as long-term care and some out-of-pocket costs.
Medicaid steps in to help fill those gaps for eligible seniors. Medicaid provides more comprehensive coverage, including long-term care services (like nursing home care) and additional support for medical expenses not fully covered by Medicare. This can be a significant benefit for seniors with limited incomes and resources.
So, while seniors can receive Medicare, those who qualify for Medicaid can benefit from its more extensive coverage, ensuring they get the care and support prescribed without facing financial hardships.
ARE THERE ANY STATISTIC ON HOW MANY UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS MIGHT ILLEGALLY BE RECEIVING MEDICAID?
Undocumented immigrants are generally ineligible for federal healthcare programs like Medicaid and Medicare. Due to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (PRWORA), undocumented immigrants are barred from accessing most federal benefits, including Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). They can only access emergency services, such as emergency Medicaid, if they meet all other Medicaid eligibility requirements2.
However, there are no specific statistics on how many undocumented immigrants might be illegally receiving Medicaid. The data available shows that undocumented immigrants consume only a small fraction of total health expenditures and contribute more through federal, state, and local taxes. Most undocumented immigrants do not have any health coverage apart from emergency care.
WHAT PERCENT OF TOTAL US HEALTH COSTS ARE EMERGENCY CARE VISITS NOT PAID FOR BY INSURANCE?
Emergency care visits not covered by insurance contribute significantly to healthcare costs in the United States. According to a report by the U.S. News & World Report, a substantial portion of emergency department visits are considered "avoidable" and could have been addressed by primary care providers. These avoidable visits add approximately $32 billion annually to national healthcare costs.
While specific percentages of total U.S. health costs attributed to uninsured emergency care visits are not readily available, it's clear that these visits represent a significant financial burden on the healthcare system.
All data and information were obtained from Copilot, an AI-powered chatbot owned and operated by Microsoft Corporation.
CEO of Tesla and SpaceX Elon Musk leaves the stage holding a chainsaw after speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort Hotel And Convention Center on February 20, 2025 in Oxon Hill, Maryland.
Last spring and summer, The Fulcrum published a 30-part series on Project 2025. Now that Donald Trump’s second term The Fulcrum has started Part 2 of the series has commenced.
With President Donald Trump’s blessings, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been poking around in numerous federal agencies with a mission to cut fraud and waste from government bureaucracy. That’s a worthwhile project.
However, significant evidence is piling up that Musk and DOGE are actually pursuing a different private agenda that not only could cause much damage to the efficient functioning of the federal government but also might endanger Americans’ safety.
Allow me to back up for a second. Prior to the November 2024 election, there was much national discussion about Project 2025, a 900-page conservative manifesto to remake the U.S. government during the first 180 days of a second Trump administration. As a candidate, Donald Trump backpedaled away from Project 2025 because many of its directives were unpopular.
But now that President Trump has begun his second term, it seems apparent that Project 2025, which was compiled by pro-Republican think tanks like the Heritage Foundation, is in fact the blueprint for his administration. And Musk’s DOGE is the tip of the spear that is aiming to overturn the federal apple cart.
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Musk has dispatched his DOGE lieutenants to scrutinize sensitive personnel and payment information in government computer systems, with this information being used as the basis for widespread dismissals, layoffs, and salary buy-outs of thousands of federal employees from numerous agencies.
To be clear, it is an admirable goal to cut waste and fraud from government bureaucracy. The Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan congressional watchdog agency, has estimated that the U.S. government loses between $233 billion and $521 billion annually from fraud and improper payments.
But is it just a coincidence that nine of the government agencies targeted in Musk's crosshairs were highlighted in the Project 2025 report? And that a number of the authors of Project 2025 are now highly placed Trump administration officials?
Project 2025 repeatedly claims that the targeted federal agencies suffer from bureaucratic bloat. But there is another revealing pattern that has emerged regarding which agencies are on the chopping block.
Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a former Republican director of the Congressional Budget Office, says the agencies Musk and Trump have targeted account for a tiny fraction of the $7 trillion federal budget. Instead, warns Holtz-Eakin, “They are going into agencies they disagree with" for ideological reasons. “They are not going to go into agencies that are doing things they like."
Bill Hoagland, a former Republican director of the Senate Budget Committee for more than 20 years, says, "The playbook has not been for the dollar savings but more for the philosophical and ideological differences conservatives have with the work these agencies do."
So, it appears that DOGE’s attacks are being driven, not by a good-faith effort to save taxpayer dollars, but by a partisan assault on federal agencies long despised by conservatives. And that is according to two veteran Republican budget experts. Many conservatives have long seen these targeted agencies as pushing liberal agendas.
For example, Trump and his allies have accused one of their targeted agencies, the Department of Education, of foisting "woke" policies, such as advocating for transgender players on girls' sports teams. Another target, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a science-based federal agency that has been harshly criticized for allegedly exaggerating climate change threats. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been the principal federal agency to extend assistance to countries recovering from natural disasters and engaging in democratic reforms. Not that long ago, it enjoyed bipartisan support, including from Trump’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Suddenly, Rubio is singing a different tune as the Trump administration accuses USAID of sending foreign aid to some countries it doesn’t consider a U.S. ally. Musk has repeated baseless conspiracies that USAID was part of a system involved in "money laundering" taxpayer dollars "into far-left organizations."
Of particular concern is that the partisan wielding of the layoffs axe could cause a number of dangers for everyday Americans. Already there have been large dismissals at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—several thousand employees, about a tenth of its workforce—just as flu cases spike and a potential bird flu pandemic is raising alarms. Large layoffs have hit the Department of Health and Human Services, including half the “disease detectives” at the Epidemic Intelligence Service, who play a crucial role in identifying public health threats.
Also targeted has been the Federal Aviation Administration, with hundreds of employees fired, who maintain critical air traffic control, only weeks after the horrific midair collision over Washington, D.C. that killed 67 people. Trump officials also fired more than 300 staffers at the National Nuclear Security Administration, apparently unaware that this agency oversees America’s nuclear weapons stockpile. And they fired 3,400 workers and paused funding at the U.S. Forest Service, which plays a critical role in fighting catastrophic forest fires, even as wildfires grow more frequent and dangerous.
Elon Musk and his DOGE assistants apparently have decided to fire as many federal workers as they can without making any effort to find out what these workers actually do and whether dismissing them might actually make the American public less safe.
The precedents for many of these actions were found in Project 2025. The manifesto claimed that many federal government agencies had been taken over by “cultural Marxism” and a liberal elite, who are using taxpayer dollars to push a political agenda that is "weaponized against conservative values." So, Musk and DOGE are trying to drain what they see as liberal influences out of the federal agencies, as if preventing forest fires, airplane crashes, and pandemics is a lefty plot. In reality, the actual concealed DOGE goal appears to be the implementation of crucial parts of Project 2025.
Given this bait-and-switch, it should come as no surprise that the cuts made so far constitute a tiny fraction of federal spending. For all the furor, DOGE’s efforts have saved only an estimated $16 billion, which is a small fraction—0.22%—of the $7 trillion federal budget. At this rate, Musk’s efforts will never reach the original goal of $1 to $2 trillion in savings.
Cutting federal waste and fraud is admirable and necessary. But using that goal as a fig leaf for a partisan vendetta may well cause lasting damage and undermine Americans’ safety and security.
Samples of Phase 2 articles about Project 2025
Samples of Phase 1 articles about Project 2025
A scientist analyzes a virus sample in a laboratory.
Ever watched the movie Contagion? Produced in 2011, this thriller tells the story of how a virus, brought to the U.S. by a woman who returns from a Hong Kong business trip, sparks a global pandemic. The film was inspired by the Nipah virus, one of over 200 known zoonotic diseases, meaning illnesses that originate in animals and can spill over to humans.
In the film, actress Kate Winslet plays the role of an Epidemic Intelligence Officer, a specialized scientist deployed on the frontline of a health emergency to track, monitor, and contain disease outbreaks. Her character embodies the kind of experts that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) abruptly sacked on Valentine’s Day at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.).
Established in 1951, the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) is a globally recognized, two-year epidemiology program that has trained over 4,000 “disease detectives,” who are equipped to respond to a wide range of public health challenges and emergencies. Once trained, these scientists are often hired by state or county health departments to strengthen local health systems in disease surveillance and to respond to public health emergencies. However, it remains unclear whether the “disease detectives” program may ultimately be spared, thanks to a President’s Day uproar from alumni of this globally recognized program managed by the C.D.C. But, regardless of which program is gutted, experts contend that the damage to global health security is already done.
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“One of the main functions of CDC is international. For example, during the 2014 West Africa Ebola outbreak, this agency was instrumental in containing Ebola in Nigeria,” shared Dr. Dennis Carroll, chair of the Global Virome Project and former director of the USAID’s Pandemic Influenza and other Emerging Threats Unit.
“Now that we have eliminated our foreign assistance and are prohibiting CDC from speaking and collaborating with WHO, our ability to control these events at their point of origin will be immensely compromised. Six months out, we're going to start seeing the consequences of not having a robust infrastructure, resources in place, and global coordination.”
Another critical program for global health security that saw at least 20 layoffs on Valentine’s Day was the Laboratory Leadership Service (LLS), a sister initiative to EIS, aimed at building the capacity of public health laboratory research. People trained through this program, launched in 2015, support rapid response to disasters and investigate emerging health threats. They help to detect harmful fungal infections, improve diagnostics and therapeutics for rabies, cholera and HIV (to name just a few), and re-establish lab operations after a hurricane or a tornado.
“Even though this program does not have the legacy of EIS, the competencies it builds are especially important in the early phases of an outbreak investigation when laboratories must work with speed and accuracy,” said Carroll. “If nothing else, during COVID-19, we witnessed how inadequate laboratory capabilities can put us behind the curve in terms of response.”
Under the premise of saving U.S. taxpayer’s dollars, Americans may be deprived of scientists trained to protect them against the spread of infectious diseases and food-borne illnesses, at a time when the country is facing multiple public health threats. Seasonal influenza is at an all-time high in America, with up to 23 million hospital visits for the flu and at least 370,000 hospitalizations, according to the CDC.
Americans are also facing outbreaks of Bird flu, tuberculosis, and measles. The CDC declared that the measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, thanks in part to an effective vaccine that became available in 1963. In 2024, 33 states reported 286 measles cases—most of them among unvaccinated people—and Texas is currently experiencing one of the worst measles outbreaks in the 21st century in America. Public health cannot be taken for granted. It is a long game that requires steady investments.
“Disrupting operations without a plan or vision on such a large scale inevitably introduces inefficiencies in places where speed protects the public’s health,” said Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, editor of Your Local Epidemiologist newsletter on Substack. “It often takes time to see the on-the-ground impact of high-level policy changes.” Though not policy changes per se, these layoffs are a sledgehammer to evidence-based public health initiatives.
Dr. Omer Awan, a physician and Forbes contributor, warns that firing frontline workers will cripple disease surveillance and endanger global health. Rapid response to emerging diseases depends on a well-trained workforce but eliminating specialists at the CDC weakens our ability to deploy investigators to hotspots and be ready for future pandemics. Fewer scientists dedicated to gathering and analyzing scientific data will hinder disease tracking and efforts to combat health disinformation.
Not to mention the issue of bioterrorism, or the intentional release of biological agents to cause harm to people, livestock, or crops. In 2001, letters with powdered anthrax spores were mailed in the United States, causing 22 infections and five deaths, according to the CDC. EIS officers were the foot soldiers of the government response in 2001. With increasing evidence that artificial intelligence may facilitate the accessibility of biological weapons, who will be our first responders in case of a bioterror attack?
Carroll says that most global health success stories reflect U.S. leadership and that without a robust infrastructure in place, and the resources to sustain it, we are in for a major wake-up call. “Be prepared for a virus that was on the cusp of eradication, like polio, to make a resurgence,” he added. “Forget about new emerging diseases. Think about those that are highly infectious and are making a comeback. I am also talking about the emerging threat posed by the highly pathogenic H5N1 Avian flu virus. If that breaks through, COVID-19 will look like a walk in the park. These actions are not about putting America first, they only ensure America will be last.”
Beatrice Spadacini is a freelance journalist for the Fulcrum. Spadacini writes about social justice and public health.
Two people holding hands, comforting each other.
It is time to teach the children well.
As February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, it is urgent to know dating violence is very common in this country, especially among teens and young adults. Research shows about one in 12 teens experienced physical dating violence and about one in 10 experienced sexual dating violence.
Unfortunately, according to 2015 numbers, researchers have estimated that between 3.3 million and 10 million children are exposed to adult domestic violence each year. They can become a victim, perpetrator, or both. Children are like sponges and absorb everything around them; if they are not able to find healthy ways to cope, they may be part of the cycle of violence.
In the prevention effort, it is important to educate younger people before they start dating and to speak about generational trauma. Children exposed to domestic violence can develop post traumatic stress disorder. They can mimic learned behaviors.
A victim of domestic violence can also become a thriving survivor with the potential to serve their community if they are equipped with the proper tools. I know because I am one.
Even though domestic violence agencies struggle to continuously secure funding, whether it relates to stipulations recently for the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) or the threat of federal funding freezes from the new Department of Government Efficiency, they have done tremendous work to serve victims.
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The recognition of generational trauma and the assumption that younger male victims may become abusers themselves led to a common practice in domestic violence shelters; teenage boys were not welcome there. As domestic violence agencies aim to adjust their practices and become more inclusive, it is important to look at the tools in place to holistically heal the families.
At some point, in the journey of a young male adult, society stopped thinking about them as victims and categorized them as abusers with no concrete tools to get them out of this cycle.
During my time at Haven Hills as an Outreach Prevention Specialist, providing Healthy Relationship Curriculum to several high schools and foster youth programs was eye-opening. These young adults were eager to learn more about interpersonal relationships and came to understand the trauma they have experienced.
The most rewarding part was when young people admitted having unhealthy behaviors and promised to change. They also asked to have these conversations earlier, noting that these classes were given to all genders of teenagers no younger than 16 years old.
It is difficult to fund programs for persons who cause harm across the country, such as the Batterer Intervention Program (BIP). In California, it is a 52-week program overseen by the Los Angeles County Probation Department. A recent audit criticized the effectiveness of it and BIP providers are working to overhaul their programs and finding ways to be funded efficiently.
These programs exist throughout the country and many have been in place since the 1970s.
Many of these programs require the perpetrator to pay for their classes, as a demonstration of efforts to redeem themselves. This is not ideal. Recognizing generational trauma, it is necessary to provide tools to prevent future violence without cost to the individual. The current process often leads to recidivism and for victims to continuously feel unsafe.
The restorative justice approach is a better route. Restorative Justice is a response to wrongdoing that prioritizes repairing harm and recognizes that maintaining positive relationships with others is a core human need. It seeks to address the root causes of crime, even to the point of transforming unjust systems and structures.
This is not new; it has been a practice well-known by Native Americans. Yurok Chief Judge Abby Abinanti in 2022 described the process in a documentary: “The Yurok Tribal Court is rooted in the traditional philosophy of restorative justice, which originates from the Tribe’s longstanding village values. This traditional approach to dispute resolution aims to create space for the offender to take responsibility for their transgression while working with the victim and the court to identify the best course of action to correct the wrong.”
Accountability and support from the community are essential to build a strong foundation for future generations. It is essential to change the process of addressing domestic violence and learn from past mistakes.
Policymakers, advocates, funders, agency leaders, and non-profit organizers can shift to a holistic approach for all genders. Every generation deserves that chance.
Stephanie Whack is a survivor of domestic violence, an advocate at the intersection of victimizations and homelessness, and a member of The OpEd Project Public Voices Fellowship on Domestic Violence and Economic Security.
solar panels
Tucked away behind a Catholic organization building in northeast Washington, D.C., lies a vast solar farm soaking up the sun’s rays as energy for Catholic buildings.
Dan Last, the co-executive officer of Mission Energy, which is partnered with the Catholic Energies Program, helped build this solar farm for Catholic Charities along with 18 other solar farms for Catholic organizations in the Washington metropolitan area. But most recently, Last said he has been taking screenshots of the United States Department of Energy websites because of the “uncertainty” President Donald Trump’s administration has introduced into the industry.
“Rather than going out and trying to give nonprofit organizations equal access to solar and help develop new projects so that I can employ my people, I am a highly paid CEO who is taking screenshots,” Last said.
Since taking office, The New York Times reported the Trump administration has taken down more than 8,000 web pages from across more than a dozen U.S. government websites. This includes more than 3,000 pages from the Center for Disease Control and more than 1,000 pages from the Office of Justice Programs.
Several pages mentioning environmental policy initiatives have also been taken down from the Department of the Interior website.
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What Last is screenshotting in response are Energy Community Maps. Last said these are areas “disproportionately” impacted by power production, meaning they are communities surrounded by infrastructure like power plants or mining sites.
These screenshots Last took shows individuals in areas eligible to receive an extra 10% of direct pay for renewable energy projects affiliated with the Inflation Reduction Act.
Former President Joe Biden passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022 which partly helped individuals and businesses receive tax credit if they install renewable energy on their property. For Last and his clients at Catholic nonprofits at Mission Energy, the Inflation Reduction Act subsidizes 30% to 50% of the costs for their projects through direct pay.
“It really was a game changer for nonprofit organizations,” Last said.
On Trump’s first day in office on Jan. 20, one of 26 executive orders he signed titled, “Unleashing American Energy,” stopped individuals and organizations from receiving funding for projects like the ones from Mission Energy. This order still remains in effect.
“All agencies shall immediately pause the disbursement of funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022,” the executive order stated.
Last said he is not sure what will happen if IRA funding completely goes away. But if it stops, the funding of renewable energy projects will shift back towards Power Purchase Agreements, a method organizations used before the IRA. These agreements have third party developers pay for renewable energy projects and are paid back from the organizations to investors over a set amount of years.
“[Third party developers] like working with our groups because churches, Catholic healthcare systems, religious communities are not going anywhere and in some cases have been around for hundreds of years,” Last said in a previous Planet Forward article.
Third party developers for renewable energy projects are only allowed in at least 29 states and Washington, D.C.
Out of Mission Energy’s 40 completed projects, 26 of them have used a Power Purchase Agreement. Since the passage of the IRA, only two out of the 14 projects under construction are having a Power Purchase agreement. All 14 projects are using some IRA benefits with 12 of them using direct pay.
Besides working with Catholic institutions, Mission Energy also works with other nonprofits. Last said before the IRA, most groups chose to go the Power Purchase Agreement route. Last year Last said only one Power Purchase Agreement was settled for a project.
“I’ll proudly say this as a CEO of a solar company, I think it would be ludicrous to repeal the direct pay,” Last said.
IRA funding for Catholic organizations’ green energy uncertain under Trump administration was first published on Planet Forward and was republished with permission.
Maggie Rhoads is a student journalist attending George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs. At The Fulcrum she covers how legislation and policy are impacting communities.