Jackie D. Semmens

Writer by nature, mother by nurture. I write about public policy and parenting, often at the same time. Find me at @helloparentco @mamalode @scarymommy #mtpol

[Moms Clean Air Force @CleanAirMoms]

❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[Montana Food Bank Network @mfbn]

This summer, we joined over 60 Montana-based organizations to ask the Governor to fund access to public benefits like #SNAP! #mtpol

See the requests and the cosigners:
https://t.co/pzpmYr2JgI

[Jackie D. Semmens @Jdsemm]

It's not the heat,
Or the humidity.

It's the unrelenting inaction of Congress on climate change.

[Jackie D. Semmens @Jdsemm]

Me: I'll work the week of the 4th even though I don't have childcare, what's the worst that can happen?

Life:

[Jackie D. Semmens @Jdsemm]

And the vast majority of people living on the streets aren't just lacking housing, they're lacking a true home and we need to recognize that tragedy.

[Jackie D. Semmens @Jdsemm]

not so controversial take: I *hate* the phrase "houselessness."

For one, it's not all that accurate - most people are going to end up in an apartment.

For another, I think it's trying to honor that people can have a "home" on the streets.

[Jackie D. Semmens @Jdsemm]

But in my years of working with homeless people, I met very very few who would've considered the shelter or an encampment a true home.

[Jackie D. Semmens @Jdsemm]

@Skywatcher1600 @eduwonkette_jen I'm sorry, I was trying to point out that I agree with you? Just pointing out there are many valid and helpful reasons to medicate during the school year. ADHD definitely causes impulsivity, and there are real consequences to that.

[Jackie D. Semmens @Jdsemm]

@Skywatcher1600 @eduwonkette_jen E.G. ADHD kid acts impulsively, says inappropriate/rude joke in front of siblings/parents in the summer - family moves on.

Same behavior in the school year: Kid offends friends and suffers socially.

[Jackie D. Semmens @Jdsemm]

@Skywatcher1600 @eduwonkette_jen Summer is a great time to work on skills sans medicines for neurodivergent kids in a lower-risk environment. That doesn't mean we are "medicating kids to fit schools" if we give them meds in the school year. It means there is a higher risk not doing that.

[Montana Budget @MontanaBudget]

Georgia's limited Medicaid expansion is costly and ineffective - and it won't work here in Montana. Here are four reasons why: https://t.co/MI9HFPYyBs

[Jackie D. Semmens @Jdsemm]

Enrollment in Medicaid expansion in Montana as at it's lowest point in 8 years. #mtpol

[Mountain States Policy Center @MtnStatesPolicy]

Medicaid is not only terrible insurance, it provides a false sense of security. Here's why.

#idpol #idleg #waleg #mtleg #mtpol #wyleg

[Montana Budget @MontanaBudget]

Empowering women isn't just a moral imperative, it's an economic necessity. Dive into our latest report on the status of women in Montana for insights into challenges, triumphs, and pathways to equality. Follow our link in bio or find the report on https://t.co/IuX5KWNjUB

[Melanie D'Arrigo @DarrigoMelanie]

People seem to be confused.

When workers are paid less than a living wage, they’re forced to rely on taxpayer funded social safety nets to survive.

That’s not a taxpayer “handout” to workers.

That’s a taxpayer handout to corporations.

[Jackie D. Semmens @Jdsemm]

What happens when you rush redetermination?

[Joan Alker @JoanAlker1]

NEW: Our report on state performance for kids in Medicaid unwind is up 👀

Stark differences emerged in 2023

7 states (CT, DC, HI, ME, NC, OR, RI) = no ⬇️ in kid enrollment in Medicaid/CHIP

10 states saw big ⬇️ (SD, MT, UT, TX, ID, AR, NH, FL, OK, GA)

https://t.co/BTkqBUC4jb

[Jackie D. Semmens @Jdsemm]

It's been over a month since DPHHS last posted Medicaid redetermination data. #mtpol

[Jackie D. Semmens @Jdsemm]

Also....do you run a business that pays low wages that can continue to pay low wages if work requirements force people to accept low wage jobs instead of taking more time in their job search to wait till a skills/wage appropriate job is available?

[Jackie D. Semmens @Jdsemm]

Questions I always want to ask supporters of work requirements:

1. How much do you think 'welfare' pays?

2. Do you think the idea that work is a good way to get money hasn't occurred to people?

3. Who raised you/your kids? Did they work full time?

[Jackie D. Semmens @Jdsemm]

One of the worst rates of child coverage lost in the nation, but that's no reason to think we could've done anything differently, huh? #mtpol

[Joan Alker @JoanAlker1]

The latest from Montana Medicaid unwind - a state with a high percentage of child coverage losses.
36,000 kids disenrolled
50,000 retained
15,000 pending

12,800 kids/adults with tribal affiliation lost Medicaid.

https://t.co/rCLUQhBKlM