WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Andy Kim this week put down a marker for what Democrats could do if they win back control of Congress this fall.
Kim introduced legislation to guarantee health coverage to all Americans from birth to age 26. While the bill won’t go anywhere in a Republican-controlled House and Senate, its introduction tells voters what could happen if Democrats win the majorities in November.
He introduced MediKids, monumental legislation guaranteeing healthcare to all children in America from birth to age 26.
“As parents – we promise to do all we can to look after the health and safety of our children,” Kin said. “Nothing is more essential than caring for our kids – but as a country, we are failing to uphold that same promise. Millions of children are falling through the cracks of our healthcare system, and we are the only ones who can stand up and help.”
Kim said that 4.4 million children do not have health insurance and 1 in 3 do not have adequate coverage. Under his bill, everyone 26 and under automatically would receive free early and periodic screening, diagnoses and treatment through Medicaid.
They would receive this health coverage regardless of income, immigration status or pre-existing condition.
U.S. Cory Booker is a co-sponsor of the measure.
Helping small businesses over Trump administration’s objections
Rep. LaMonica McIver is pushing back against efforts by the Trump administration to end a program that provides assistance to small businesses.
The legislation by McIver (D-Newark) would authorize up to $175 million a year in funding through Sept. 30, 2029, for the Small Business Development Center Program, which President Donald Trump has proposed doing away with.
McIver said the program is especially crucial to help low-income, minorities and women begin businesses and create jobs. One of those centers is located at Rutgers University.
“This bill is about standing up for working people,” McIver said. “We need legislation to protect working people, and the small businesses that let them accumulate wealth, from the administration’s constant attacks.”
Don’t make Delaware Water Gap a national park, lawmakers say
Reps. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield) and Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly) are pushing back at suggestions that the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area be named a national park and preserve.
The lawmakers say that there is no local support for the move and that the current designation supports such activities as fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and canoeing.
“It is critical that the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area remain a designated recreation area so it can continue to be enjoyed by visitors and local residents, rather than threatening its purpose and local outdoor recreation activities by redesignating it a national park,” said Kean, whose district includes the recreation area.
The Delaware Water Gap encompasses almost 70,000 acres in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.