Foundations
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from U.S. foundations.
Featured Stories
The Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg Featured in Season Finale of Clinton Foundation Podcast
NEW YORK, Oct. 18 -- The William J. Clinton Foundation issued the following news release:
In the season finale of "Why Am I Telling You This?," President Bill Clinton welcomes the Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg for a candid conversation with NPR legal affairs correspondent, Nina Totenberg. Justice Ginsburg shares stories from her quarter-century on the nation's highest court, her distinguished career fighting gender discrimination, what it's like to serve among her fellow "sisters in law," and her pop culture ascendance. In his special introduction, President Clinton shares what set her apart in
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NEW YORK, Oct. 18 -- The William J. Clinton Foundation issued the following news release:
In the season finale of "Why Am I Telling You This?," President Bill Clinton welcomes the Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg for a candid conversation with NPR legal affairs correspondent, Nina Totenberg. Justice Ginsburg shares stories from her quarter-century on the nation's highest court, her distinguished career fighting gender discrimination, what it's like to serve among her fellow "sisters in law," and her pop culture ascendance. In his special introduction, President Clinton shares what set her apart inhis decision to nominate her to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Click here to listen to "Ruth Bader Ginsburg Argues For A More Perfect Union" (https://theclintonfoundation.org/why-am-i-telling-you-this/episode-9/)
This conversation was recorded live in Little Rock as part of the Clinton Presidential Center's Frank and Kula Kumpuris Distinguished Lecture Series. The podcast is a co-production of the Clinton Foundation and At Will Media, published without commercials, and available without a subscription fee now on Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms.
Why Am I Telling You This?" covers issues related to foundation programs, such as disaster recovery in Puerto Rico and Venezuela, the climate crisis, the opioid epidemic, LGBTQ+ equality, childhood literacy, global leadership, reflections on the Clinton Administration, and President Clinton's interest in a wide array of ideas. Featured guests include: President George W. Bush; celebrity chef and co-founder of World Central Kitchen Jose Andres; Pulitzer Prize winning author David Blight; Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy; renowned early childhood education experts Ralph Smith and Dr. Susan Neuman; Stonewall Inn co-owner Kurt Kelly; NCAA Women's Basketball Championship coach Dawn Staley; and pioneering physician, anthropologist, and Partners In Health co-founder Dr. Paul Farmer. To listen to all episodes in season one, visit https://theclintonfoundation.org/why-am-i-telling-you-this/
"Why Am I Telling You This?" - featured on Entertainment Weekly's Must List - includes conversations with President Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, Clinton Foundation partners, and special guests. Drawing on their own experiences, they share stories of the people, issues, and events that have shaped our world and the Clinton Foundation's work - and why we should be optimistic about the future. The series covers issues related to the Foundation's work; conversations on global leadership; reflections on the Clinton Administration; and President Clinton's wide range of interests and well-known intellectual curiosity.
State Budgets for FY 2020 Include Total Medicaid Spending Growth of 6.2% on Average
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 -- The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation issued the following news release:
States budgeted for total Medicaid spending to increase at a faster pace than enrollment in fiscal year 2020, driven in part by rising costs for prescription drugs, provider rate increases and higher costs associated with caring for the elderly and disabled, according to KFF's new 50-state Medicaid budget survey.
The 19th annual survey of state Medicaid directors finds that officials expect total Medicaid spending to climb 6.2 percent while enrollment remains virtually flat, up 0.8 percent. This follows
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 -- The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation issued the following news release:
States budgeted for total Medicaid spending to increase at a faster pace than enrollment in fiscal year 2020, driven in part by rising costs for prescription drugs, provider rate increases and higher costs associated with caring for the elderly and disabled, according to KFF's new 50-state Medicaid budget survey.
The 19th annual survey of state Medicaid directors finds that officials expect total Medicaid spending to climb 6.2 percent while enrollment remains virtually flat, up 0.8 percent. This followstotal Medicaid spending growth of 2.9 percent for fiscal 2019, a year in which enrollment declined 1.7 percent.
Officials identified increasing costs for prescription drugs (particularly for specialty drugs), provider rate increases (most often for managed care organizations, hospitals, and nursing facilities) and pressures from the aging population and long-term care costs as key upward drivers of total Medicaid spending.
States generally attributed enrollment declines to a stronger economy; however, some states also pointed to process and systems changes including changes to renewal processes, upgraded eligibility systems and enhanced data matching efforts to verify eligibility as putting a downward pressure on enrollment. Recent Census Bureau data show an increase in the number of uninsured in the U.S., suggesting that some people losing Medicaid coverage may not gain access to employer-based health benefits and are not buying their own insurance.
State Medicaid spending accounted for 37.5 percent of the $593 billion in overall Medicaid spending in federal fiscal year 2018. Reported data for this survey shows that average state Medicaid spending is budgeted to increase by 5.7 percent in state fiscal year 2020, after rising 1.1 percent in 2019.
State Medicaid spending growth, which typically moves in the same direction and at a similar rate to total Medicaid spending, was lower than total Medicaid spending growth in FY 2019 and is expected to be lower again in FY 2020. In FY 2019, state Medicaid spending grew slower than overall general fund expenditure growth. The Affordable Care Act requires that expansion states assume an increasing share of Medicaid expansion costs, with their share rising from 6 percent in January 2018, to 7 percent in 2019 and 10 percent in 2020, where it will remain.
Thirty-six states and Washington D.C. have adopted the Medicaid expansion, with implementation expected in 2020 for Idaho, Nebraska and Utah (although implementation could be in FY 2021 for Nebraska and Utah). Most expansion states relied on general funds to finance the expansion, but a number also reported using provider taxes or other savings from the expansion.
The annual survey provides an in-depth, state-specific examination of changes and initiatives taking place in Medicaid programs. Some notable findings include:
Work requirements. The most frequently reported eligibility restrictions implemented in FY 2019 or planned for FY 2020 are work or community engagement requirements. Six states (AZ, IN, MI, OH, UT, WI) currently have approved Section 1115 work requirement waivers. Nine states (AL, ID, MS, MT, OK, SC, SD, TN, VA) have pending waivers for work requirements. With the exception of Virginia, Montana, and Idaho, all other pending work requirement waivers are from non-expansion states. Three states (KY, AR, NH) have had work requirement waivers set aside by the courts following legal challenges and litigation was filed challenging the work requirement waiver in Indiana.
Prescription drug cost containment. Amid rising concerns about the cost of prescription drugs, 24 states in FY 2019 and 26 states in FY 2020 reported newly implementing or expanding at least one initiative to contain prescription drug spending. Strategies include value-based contracts linking reimbursement to patient health outcomes, transparency requirements related to pharmacy benefit managers and prior authorization requirements for certain high cost drugs.
The opioid epidemic. All states reported using pharmacy benefit management strategies to prevent opioid-related harms. These include adoption of opioid prescribing guidelines, drug utilization review, prior authorization based on clinical criteria and state prescription drug monitoring programs. States also reported a variety of initiatives to expand access to medication assisted treatment (MAT).
Long-term services and supports. Nearly all states in FY 2019 (48 states) and in FY 2020 (47 states) are employing one or more strategies to expand the number of people served in home and community-based settings. Of these states, the vast majority report using HCBS waivers and/or state plan options
Other key highlights include state initiatives to address social determinants of health through managed care contracts and outside of managed care and an array of efforts (through eligibility, benefits and delivery system changes) to help reduce maternal mortality and improve infant birth outcomes.
The survey findings are presented in two reports:
* Medicaid Enrollment & Spending Growth: FY 2019 & 2020
* A View from the States: Key Medicaid Policy Changes - Results from a 50-State Medicaid Budget Survey for State Fiscal Years 2019 and 2020
Q4 2019 Equipment Leasing & Finance Industry Snapshot Now Available
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 -- The Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation issued the following news release:
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation has released the Q4 2019 Equipment Leasing & Finance Industry Snapshot, an indispensable resource for industry participants to incorporate into executive briefings and presentations. The presentation slide deck summarizes the current conditions and projections for the U.S. economy and equipment finance industry with clear, easy-to-digest charts and short narratives of key trends.
Among the range of details in the new release:
* The U.S. economy eased
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 -- The Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation issued the following news release:
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation has released the Q4 2019 Equipment Leasing & Finance Industry Snapshot, an indispensable resource for industry participants to incorporate into executive briefings and presentations. The presentation slide deck summarizes the current conditions and projections for the U.S. economy and equipment finance industry with clear, easy-to-digest charts and short narratives of key trends.
Among the range of details in the new release:
* The U.S. economy easedto 2% annualized growth in Q2, mirroring weakening economic fundamentals amid rising uncertainty.
* Growth in Q2 was driven primarily by consumer spending, while investment and net exports dragged on the U.S. economy.
* Economic headwinds include a slowdown in global manufacturing and waning U.S. business optimism.
* Low consumer financial stress and robust consumer spending are top economic tailwinds.
* Additional economic factors to watch are U.S. relations with China in addition to trade issues, improvement in the housing market, the employment outlook and uncertainty in U.S. financial markets.
* New business volume growth reported in ELFA's Monthly Leasing and Finance Index is on track to beat 2018 levels after recovering from a slow first half of the year.
Prepared by Keybridge Research and updated quarterly, the snapshot is available for free download at https://www.leasefoundation.org/industry-resources/industry-snapshot/
New Film Explores Intersection of Latino Community and Environmental Justice, Marks Launch of Campaign Addressing Latino Considerations Around Wildfires
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 -- The Hispanic Access Foundation issued the following news release:
Today, Hispanic Access Foundation released its new short film "I Am Cheo," which explores the intersection of Latino culture and communities with the outdoors and climate issues, like wildfires, and emphasizes the need for engagement and action to preserve our future.
Inspired by the poem "I Am Joaquin" by Chicano poet Corky Gonzales, this unique film tells the story of a young boy named Cheo who, from the sights and smells of his abuela's kitchen, takes a sweeping cinematic journey across the lands that
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 -- The Hispanic Access Foundation issued the following news release:
Today, Hispanic Access Foundation released its new short film "I Am Cheo," which explores the intersection of Latino culture and communities with the outdoors and climate issues, like wildfires, and emphasizes the need for engagement and action to preserve our future.
Inspired by the poem "I Am Joaquin" by Chicano poet Corky Gonzales, this unique film tells the story of a young boy named Cheo who, from the sights and smells of his abuela's kitchen, takes a sweeping cinematic journey across the lands thatare both his history and his future. On this journey, Cheo realizes that he is formed by these places - but they need his help, as they are devastated by wildfires, pollution, climate change and disrepair. Cheo then explores how he can take action to protect the environment for his familia and generations to come.
"This film expands the narrative of what it means to engage Latino communities, to encourage the understanding of the importance of familia, community, faith y cultura in our efforts to improve our society and protect our environment for future generations," said Maite Arce, president and CEO of HAF. "It is also critical that we recognize the exclusion of communities in the processes of planning for, responding to and recovering from these adverse effects, but also recognize the contributions of these resilient communities to our country and the ambition and commitment to take action to address these urgent matters."
Our nation's greenhouse gas emissions and resulting climate change are leading to higher temperatures, record-setting heat waves, and drier and more arid conditions in the West. These conditions matched with underfunded forest management, outdated land use policies and practices, and more people living in fire-prone areas has led to catastrophic wildfires that affect more people. These conditions are having severe consequences on communities, most significantly marginalized and vulnerable communities, such as low-income, disabled, elderly and communities of color.
"Our world is getting hotter, our oceans and coral reefs are degrading, our snowpack and rivers are diminishing and by underfunding forest management and mismanaging urban development we are putting people in harm's way of devastating fires and ill-equipping them to prepare for or adapt to such a life with fires," said Chela Garcia, HAF's director of conservation programs. "Because of socioeconomic factors, Latinos are particularly vulnerable to the lack of adequate planning and resources for emergency management, urban planning, forest management, and disaster relief and recovery programs."
"All efforts to address climate change and the resulting and exacerbated impacts are urgently needed," Garcia added.
Multiple screenings are being held throughout the nation in conjunction with community roundtable discussions. Film screening sponsors include Southern California Edison, National Parks Conservation Association, Save the Redwoods League, Environmental Defense Fund, The Wilderness Society, Audubon, and The North Face.
The film "I Am Cheo" and the Wildfire Management Toolkit are available at http://www.IamCheo.org.
Nemours Foundation: Update - Advanced Delivery Unit
JACKSONVILLE, Florida, Oct. 18 -- Nemours Foundation issued the following news release:
In September, media and invited guests toured the Advanced Delivery Unit at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children. Visitors had an opportunity to see the new suite designed to serve infants who require swift intervention after birth, and their families. To date, two successful deliveries have taken place.
The Nemours & Christiana Care Advanced Delivery Program is for healthy expectant mothers whose babies have been prenatally diagnosed with a congenital anomaly, such as spina bifida, gastroschisis
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JACKSONVILLE, Florida, Oct. 18 -- Nemours Foundation issued the following news release:
In September, media and invited guests toured the Advanced Delivery Unit at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children. Visitors had an opportunity to see the new suite designed to serve infants who require swift intervention after birth, and their families. To date, two successful deliveries have taken place.
The Nemours & Christiana Care Advanced Delivery Program is for healthy expectant mothers whose babies have been prenatally diagnosed with a congenital anomaly, such as spina bifida, gastroschisisor cardiac abnormalities. Now, mothers are able to deliver in the same location where their infant will be treated immediately after birth. Having families located in the same place as the baby enhances the post-delivery experience and supports greater interaction between parents, their baby and health care providers.
"This level of collaborative care is a game-changer in our area and has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of the tiniest patients we are privileged to serve," said Margaret R. Chou, MD, Christiana Care Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Stephanie Nolasco of Bear, DE, delivered her son at Christiana Hospital but the baby was transported within hours of birth to have surgery at duPont Hospital for Children for an abdominal obstruction. "I wish the [advance delivery] service had been available at the time my son was born," said Nolasco. "Being separated from him was very stressful. I needed time to recover, but hurried my discharge so I could be with him." She added: "The new program will be so much better for families in these situations."
Lupus Foundation: For People With Lupus, Organ Damage Accrual Comes With Escalating Healthcare Costs Too
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 -- The Lupus Foundation of America issued the following news release:
New research shows that the more organ damage a person with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) accrues, the higher their healthcare costs will be. In fact, the study found that those with the highest organ damage index scores had annual healthcare costs roughly 12 times higher than the people with the lowest damage scores - and that trend appears to continue long-term. Over the course of ten years, people with the greatest amount of organ damage had cumulative healthcare costs nearly nine times higher than
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 -- The Lupus Foundation of America issued the following news release:
New research shows that the more organ damage a person with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) accrues, the higher their healthcare costs will be. In fact, the study found that those with the highest organ damage index scores had annual healthcare costs roughly 12 times higher than the people with the lowest damage scores - and that trend appears to continue long-term. Over the course of ten years, people with the greatest amount of organ damage had cumulative healthcare costs nearly nine times higher thanthose with the least amount of damage. The data also revealed that older patients and those of Caucasian race/ethnicity had lower healthcare costs.
While previous studies have investigated the economic impact of organ damage, this study was the first to assess an international, multi-ethnic group of participants. Researchers collected data from 1,687 people with SLE across 11 countries where they were enrolled in the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) inception cohort.
A partner of the Lupus Foundation of America, SLICC developed the Damage Index used in the study - the only internationally accepted measurement of the long-term effects of SLE on the body. Without this index, it would be impossible to study those effects over time and compare them between different countries, geographies, and ethnic groups. Megan Barber, MD, PhD and an author on the study shared "In addition to worsened health outcomes and decreased quality of life, damage is associated with considerable financial cost. We need to work harder to prevent it by controlling active lupus and comorbidities, making better use of existing drugs, and developing new ones."
In addition to the tremendous physical strain lupus can cause, it can also result in serious financial stress for those living with the disease. Learn about reducing your healthcare costs.
Read the study (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/acr.24092?af=R)
Conservation Law Foundation: Honey Dew, Dunkin' Toss Out Styrofoam Cups, But is It Enough to Save the Planet?
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Oct. 18 -- The Conservation Law Foundation issued the following news release:
So it's possible to recycle the new Honey Dew cups -- but practically speaking, it's not going to happen.
That explains the muted reaction from environmentalists. Styrofoam is among the most toxic of plastics, so eliminating it from landfills is a good thing, but they don't think new paper cups are the best solution.
"None of the systems in Massachusetts accept or collect coffee cups," said Kirstie Pecci, director of the Zero Waste Project at the Conservation Law Foundation, referring to Styrofoam
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BOSTON, Massachusetts, Oct. 18 -- The Conservation Law Foundation issued the following news release:
So it's possible to recycle the new Honey Dew cups -- but practically speaking, it's not going to happen.
That explains the muted reaction from environmentalists. Styrofoam is among the most toxic of plastics, so eliminating it from landfills is a good thing, but they don't think new paper cups are the best solution.
"None of the systems in Massachusetts accept or collect coffee cups," said Kirstie Pecci, director of the Zero Waste Project at the Conservation Law Foundation, referring to Styrofoamand the new cups. "Do not put coffee cups in your bin.
For the full story, click here (https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2019/10/17/honey-dew-dunkin-say-goodbye-styrofoam-cup-but-enough-save-planet/2lQE75dJCb5MF0lPkIxBdL/story.html?p1=Article_Feed_ContentQuery).
