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Wednesday, April 17, 2024

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PNS Daily Newscast - April 18, 2024
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A new study shows health disparities cost Texas billions of dollars; Senate rejects impeachment articles against Mayorkas, ending trial against Cabinet secretary; Iowa cuts historical rural school groups.

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2024Talks - April 18, 2024
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The Senate dismisses the Mayorkas impeachment. Maryland Lawmakers fail to increase voting access. Texas Democrats call for better Black maternal health. And polling confirms strong support for access to reproductive care, including abortion.

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The Yonder Report - April 18, 2024

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Rural Wyoming needs more vocational teachers to sustain its workforce pipeline, Ohio environmental advocates fear harm from a proposal to open 40-thousand forest acres to fracking and rural communities build bike trail systems to promote nature, boost the economy.

MA: Disabilities

Massachusetts residents can call the MassHealth Service Center to speak with a counselor and determine if they qualify for a dual-eligible special-needs plan at 800-841-2900. (Adobe Stock)<br />
MA seniors encouraged to take advantage of dual-use special needs plans

Health care advocates in Massachusetts said special health care plans are available for seniors and people with disabilities to help ensure they get t…

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Consumer advocates say the power-wheelchair market is dominated by two national suppliers, both of which are owned by private equity firms, able to increase profits by limiting what they spend on technicians and repairs. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />
MA Lawmakers Urged to Strengthen Wheelchair Warranty Protections

Advocates for people with disabilities say lawmakers in the Commonwealth must strengthen wheelchair warranty protections to ensure wheelchair users ar…

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Numotion and National Seating and Mobility are the two largest wheelchair manufacturers in the U.S., and critics say a lack of competition can lead to slow repairs. (rudolfgeiger/Adobe Stock)
MA Groups: Wheelchair Repair Process Needs Improvements

Advocates for people with disabilities are urging the Massachusetts General Court to pass what is known as the Wheelchair Warranty bill, to improve …

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Since 1786, the Daily Hampshire Gazette has been printed in Northampton, Mass. (Dougtone/Creative Commons)
One of Oldest U.S. Papers May Lose Printing House in Northampton

NORTHAMPTION, Mass. -- The company Newspapers of New England recently announced it plans to lay off all the workers at its printing house in …

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Bay Staters with disabilities are on the front lines this week in battles to preserve critical health coverage both in Massachusetts and Congress. (Boston Center for Independent Living)
Battles in Boston and D.C. to Protect Health Coverage

BOSTON – Bay Staters with disabilities are fighting battles on two fronts this week, to protest possible budget cuts and protect critical …

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Proposed SNAP food assistance cuts are likely to hit low-income seniors and people with disabilities hardest. (USDA)
Proposed SNAP Cuts Put MA Seniors, People with Disabilities in Crosshairs

BOSTON – President Donald Trump wants to take a $193 billion slice out of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program over the next 10…

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On Veteran's Day, Bay Staters who served our country are hoping President-Elect Donald Trump honors the promises he made to help vets. (New England Paralyzed Veterans of America)
New England Veterans Want Trump to Honor His Pledge

BOSTON – There are about 3,000 paralyzed veterans in New England and today, on Veteran's Day, a local veterans' advocacy group said now that …

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Massachusetts' high school graduation rate is just over 86 percent, but only 69 percent for students with disabilities. (Boston Public Schools)
MA Could Do More to Help Special-Needs Students Graduate

BOSTON - It's graduation time, and the Commonwealth is doing better than average in terms of high school graduation rates except in one major area…

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Police should be called to Peck School in Holyoke less often as the result of a settlement with the school district that also calls for reducing the use of restraints on students with disabilities. (Jeff Joniec)
Goal: Fewer Restraints, Cop Calls at Holyoke School

HOLYOKE, Mass. - It is an agreement that should mean fewer students ending up in restraints and fewer cops being called to respond to discipline …

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Para Educator Nancy Burke (r.) with student Taylor Warren. Courtesy: Massachusetts Teachers Association
National Bammy Award for Massachusetts Educator

BOSTON - A Massachusetts educator won national recognition this week for a garden project that enables high school students in wheelchairs to do some …

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PHOTO: Special enrollment is still available for thousands in the Bay State to get care under the Affordable Care Act, but they need to act soon. Courtesy: Health Care For All
Thousands in MA Can Still Get Covered – Big Push in Hispanic Communities

BOSTON - It's true the door shut on the second open enrollment period for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act, but advocates say there are …

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PHOTO: At an event in Framingham, a new effort was launched this week to find and enroll Massachusetts school kids in health insurance plans. The Back to School campaign is targeting communities where English is a second language. Photo courtesy of Health Care for All.
Kicking Off Campaign to Cover Kids in Commonwealth

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. - It's back-to-school time for kids in the Commonwealth - and time for an effort by health-care advocates to find those children …

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