CORRECTION: It was the Senate parliamentarian who decided part of the budget reconciliation bill violates rules for being able to pass it with a simple majority. An earlier version incorrectly stated it had been a court decision. (10:12 a.m. MST, June 27, 2025)
The nonpartisan League of Women Voters is voicing concerns about people losing their health insurance coverage under what's known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" now in Congress.

The League estimated that more than 3 million Michiganders would lose health coverage, as would tens of millions of people in other states. The League in May joined more than 700 groups in a letter urging Congress to reject the legislation.

Jackie Coolidge, who chairs the League's volunteer Lobby Corps on Capitol Hill, said its position is that Medicaid should be completely protected from the proposed cuts.

"We would like to see Medicaid left alone," she said. "We would love to see it improved and enhanced, but realistically speaking, Medicaid should not be cut. You've got a lot of vulnerable people who are going to be suffering."

Supporters of the legislation have said it would cut taxes, rein in federal spending and give states more control over Medicaid. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans hit a snag on Thursday, as a provision allowing states to tax Medicaid providers was flagged by the Senate parliamentarian for violating rules that would allow the bill to be passed with a simple majority.

The League has contended the proposed budget bill would scale back Medicaid services, tighten eligibility through stricter requirements and impose work mandates that could disproportionately affect low-income residents.

Coolidge explained why her organization is placing particular focus on Michigan.

"Michigan in particular, of course, is a very 'purple state,' almost equal representation on both sides of the aisle," she said, "and we've been doing a lot of work with the Michigan congressional delegation."

Thursday's ruling threatened the timeline for a vote on the bill, which Senate Republicans had hoped to hold by the end of this week. President Donald Trump has stated he wants a deal reached by July 4.

With the Independence Day holiday weekend here, North Dakotans might be out at parades, fireworks shows and barbecues. However, new polling indicates that many Americans are struggling to feel optimistic about the state of the country.

A new Gallup survey shows 58% of U.S. adults say they're proud to be an American. While there are some partisan splits, the overall percentage is a record low for the annual poll question.

Barbara Headrick, president of the League of Women Voters of North Dakota, said it's not surprising, given the sharp divides between the two major parties. But she feels there's something else at play.

"There is still an after effect, I believe, from the pandemic from that separation from each other that we had," she said.

That the pandemic was so politicized is another complicating factor that prevented the country from healing, Headrick said, adding that it's understandable some Americans are very concerned about various rights being taken away. However, she noted the U.S. has deep flaws throughout its history, and there are still many more rights afforded today than in past decades.

If heated rhetoric clouding U.S. politics has got you down, Headrick said, you can still show American pride through actions.

"Find a way to love your country by making it better," she said.

Headrick said it can involve showing support for civil workers or volunteering at a local homeless or animal shelter. She added that expressing pride through elections doesn't just involve voting, noting that there are opportunities to stay informed about how your local government is addressing pressing issues, such as affordable housing.


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A new Indiana law, starting today, allows school board candidates to list their political affiliation on the ballot.

Candidates may choose to register with a political party, as independents or not disclose any affiliation. Those who do not select will have a blank space next to their name and straight-ticket voting will not apply to school board races. Those opposed to the new law said it injects unnecessary politics into a role traditionally focused on education.

Leslie Jacobs, a school board member for the Fayette County School Corporation in Connersville, is against the new law.

"In my 10 years, I couldn't tell you the political leanings of anybody on my board. Never comes up," Jacobs explained. "Our discussions are purely about educational opportunities, picking a superintendent, looking at budget."

She warned requiring party labels might discourage qualified candidates from running. Supporters of the new law said it increases transparency.

Jennifer Blackburn, a school board member for the East Allen County Schools near Fort Wayne, also opposes the new law.

"The scenario that there are four candidates potentially running and three are Democrat, one is a Republican -- this last school board election -- none of us were opposed," Blackburn pointed out. "As big as our county is, there are not a lot of people running."

The law will first affect school board elections in November.


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A three-part online training series on how to run for office and govern effectively begins Monday, designed for people running at any level of government office in Western states, including Wyoming.

The training is part of the Grassroots Democracy Program under the Western Organization of Resource Councils, a group organizing in rural parts of the West and includes Wyoming's Powder River Basin Resource Council.

Gwen Lachelt, political director for the group, said the series will help answer a broad range of questions.

"Everything from, 'Am I ready to run for office? How do I organize my campaign?' To, 'how do I govern, and how can I be an effective elected official?'" Lachelt explained.

As of Friday, Lachelt noted about 50 people had signed up for the training. Registration is still open until the event starts Monday at 5:30 p.m. MT.

Lachelt added she is seeing a lot of interest in running for office from people of all age groups and all backgrounds. She emphasized the group hopes to connect with Westerners who care about natural resources.

"Our goal is to build a bench of elected officials across our regions who will champion democracy and also work to protect the West's land, air, and water," Lachelt stressed.

Guest speakers at the event include Rep. Katie Sullivan, D-Missoula, who is the House Minority Leader, and Kevin Williams, a board member of Colorado's Delta-Montrose Electric Association.


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