For the People by the People: An interview with Rep. Padma Kuppa

This Q&A with Michigan State Rep. Padma Kuppa was conducted by the State Innovation Exchange, and has been edited for length and clarity.

What made you decide to enter state politics?

I decided to run for office because I was extremely concerned about the state of public education after the confirmation of Education Secretary Devos. I had been advocating for public school funding and been an active volunteer in schools since 2000 when my kids started at Troy public schools. I believe public school education is the backbone of what makes for a strong economy and a strong America.

You’re the first Indian immigrant and Hindu member of the Michigan Legislature. What do those “firsts” mean to you?

Being the first Indian immigrant and Hindu in the Michigan Legislature enhances my ability to represent my district fully, as I am conscious of my difference but also how I am 100% part of the community and American. That someone like me, born in another country, can embrace the ideals of our democracy, be a part of the community that I helped over the last two decades by volunteering and serving, and now serve as a state representative, just shows the power of government for the people by the people.

Padma Kuppa smiles and talks to colleagues on the Michigan House floor
State Rep. Padma Kuppa talks with colleagues on the Michigan House floor. (Photo: Michigan House)

That someone like me, born in another country, can embrace the ideals of our democracy…and now serve as a state representative, just shows the power of government for the people by the people. —Rep. Padma Kuppa

The COVID-19 epidemic has brought many social inequities to light, including the disparity in who has access to paid sick leave. Can you talk about the bill you introduced?

When I was a contract worker, I took time off when my kids were sick — not when I was sick, because I didn’t get paid sick time. For one in three Michigan workers, staying at home is not an option, and that is really a problem when we want to stop the spread of this pandemic. People shouldn’t have to choose between paying bills, buying food, making the rent and going to work when they are sick.Working mothers, in particular, are affected, especially when they are poorly paid for work in restaurants or retail operations, or care facilities.

Exterior of the Michigan State capitol building's dome
Top dome of Michigan State Capitol

How have you coped with the surge in anti-Asian racism during the COVID-19 epidemic?

I have been raising the issue with other elected leaders, including the governor and my legislative colleagues. I am also holding town halls to raise awareness and discuss the issue. I am working with Senator Chang, the Assistant Attorney General Doddamani, and the Department of Civil Rights to conduct a hate crime prevention training for Asian American community leaders via a virtual town hall.

What would you say to Michiganders who are looking to get more involved in state politics?

I always tell people to find an issue or two that you are passionate about and advocate with whichever group or elected leader you can. Make an effort to share that passion and nurture your ability to give voice to that issue so that you can make a difference. It’s important to start locally, build relationships, and organize so that people understand what you’re advocating for — and then hopefully join you to make meaningful change.

What book or film would you recommend to allies this Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM)?

One of my favorite movies is by a constituent, Sarab Neelam, Ocean of Pearls. I also enjoyed one of the books that we read for the Great Michigan Read, Stealing Buddha’s Dinner. Both make you think about what it means to be American.

Paid Sick Leave Policy Playbook Supplement and Polling Memo

Over 33 million people in the US do not have access to paid sick leave, and this has a disproportionate impact on low and moderate wage workers. Access to paid sick days is even more critical in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The coronavirus health crisis has revealed the need for access to paid sick leave more than ever — particularly for lower wage, Black, or Hispanic workers and working mothers whose incomes and families are more directly affected by the coronavirus. Fortunately, states without robust paid sick leave laws are taking action to help increase access.

Since we first released our Paid Sick Days Policy Playbook in 2016, the number of states requiring employers to provide paid sick days has jumped from 5 to 14. In light of these changes, and folks’ urgent need for paid sick leave access, SiX has released the Paid Sick Days Policy Playbook Supplement. In addition to reflecting new paid sick leave legislation, SiX is releasing Pre-Session Polling on Paid Sick Leave which evidences the high public support for paid sick leave in three states where legislatures have yet to act — Florida, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

2019-2020 Polling on Earned Income Tax Credits and Revenue Policy

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax cut for working families. The federal EITC was established during the Reagan administration as a way to reduce poverty and to reward people who work in low-wage industries. In addition, the District of Columbia and 29 states have a state EITC which provides a vital source of income for tens of millions of low-wage workers

State polling conducted over the course of 2019 and 2020 to broadly educate legislators, partners, and the public showed that among likely voters, there is strong support for policies that provide working families with economic security. Polling found high levels of support for the Earned Income Tax Credit as well as responsible revenue policies that ensure everyone pays their fair share, for example:

For the full memo see here.

For more on EITC, watch this webinar hosted by SiX, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, Economic Security Project, and Economic Security for IL.

Black Maternal Health Week 2020

SiX is proud to parter with the Black Mamas Matter Alliance on Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW), a week of education and advocacy around the experiences of Black Mamas. From April 11th through April 17th, through a series of digital and community events, BMHW will uplift Black-women led entities to focus on the root causes of poor maternal health outcomes while also leaning on Black voices to drive conversation around tangible community-driven policy, programs, and solutions.

Join us on the webinars and by sharing social media content below! 

You're invited to these Black Maternal Health Week Webinars


Black Maternal Health and the U.S. COVID-19 Response
Monday, April 13 3:30-5 pm ET

Register here

This webinar will feature birth and reproductive justice health professionals' experiences and guidance with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic and response. Topics will include Black breastfeeding; navigating Doula services; access to abortion care; and hospital protocols in Perinatal health - all from a health equity lens to highlight and address racial injustices and human rights violations of birthing persons and care providers within the U.S. COVID-19 context. 

Shifting and Advancing Black Maternal Health Policy
Tuesday, April 14, 2-3 p.m. ET

Register here

This webinar will highlight Black Mamas Matter Alliance’s position with respect to Maternal Mortality Review Committees and their engagement with community based organizations and advocates, along with policy considerations relating to Doula Reimbursement. The webinar will also feature policymakers who will provide insight into federal policy initiatives seeking to address maternal health disparities.

Share Messages & Images

RFLC Black women legislators are leading the way in improving Black maternal health outcomes in their states. Share one of the following messages and images on social media to show your support! Click here to download and share images.

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Message 1: It's #BlackMaternalHealthWeek, an opportunity to focus on solutions to the Black maternal health crisis without fear, blame, or shame. #BlackMamasMatter #BMHW20 @SiXRepro

Message 2: At this time, very little is known about #COVID19's impact on pregnant people and childbirth. But what we do know is that our healthcare system has never fully supported Black women. This #BlackMaternalHealthWeek, let's find solutions to change that. #BMHW20 @SiXRepro

Message 3: Black women are 2 to 3 times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. This #BlackMaternalHealthWeek, let's raise awareness of this crisis in our communities and center Black mamas to find solutions! #BMHW20 @SiXRepro

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Black Maternal Health Resources

You can check out the full list of Black Maternal Health Week activities here.

Defending Our Democracy: State Solutions to Strengthen Election Security

American elections face dire and unprecedented security threats. Ahead of the 2016 election, Russia launched a two-pronged campaign to sow chaos and doubt into our democracy. Hackers “scanned” election systems in all 50 states and attempted to breach systems in at least 21 states—exposing major weaknesses in our election infrastructure, regulations, and personnel readiness. At the same time, Russian internet trolls orchestrated a divisive, digital disinformation campaign to agitate and misdirect the American public. Threats to American election security have evolved and proliferated since 2016 as enemies experiment with new tactics and inspire new malicious actors.

Declining public confidence is perhaps the greatest risk to our democracy’s health today and is a key objective of our adversaries. In a recent poll conducted for C-SPAN, 58 percent of voters expressed concern that foreign governments pose a threat to American elections, and a mere 31 percent of Americans have confidence that the government has done enough to protect elections from foreign interference. Conspiracy theories of vote rigging, often elevated by President Trump, have exacerbated negative perceptions of U.S. election integrity, particularly in the aftermath of close races, like Kentucky’s 2019 gubernatorial election, or administrative bungles, like the 2020 Iowa caucus. Whether perceived or legitimate, concerns that votes will not be counted accurately could negatively impact participation and increase the chance that voters and candidates will not accept the outcome of our elections.

African-american man voter in polling place

In the face of these threats, states have largely been left to fend for themselves. Despite efforts to secure election systems and update technology across the country, state and local officials on the frontlines of our democracy are not uniformly prepared to defend against these attacks in 2020 and beyond. Federal legislation has been introduced to improve election security— offering more funding for states, mandating post-election audits, streamlining information sharing, and imposing stronger deterrents and penalties—but these efforts have generally stalled or failed.

In the absence of a strong, coordinated response from Washington, D.C., to protect our democracy, this crisis requires bold action from the states. While no one state can combat the multi-faceted and evolving set of security challenges we face, state legislators and administrators can work together as a network and lead by example to protect our elections, inspire public confidence, and spur stronger federal action. State legislators play a critical role, and the foundation of our electoral system relies on their active, informed, and vigilant engagement in election security. Whether using their platform to draw attention to solutions, supporting administrators, or passing legislation, state lawmakers have a responsibility to help strengthen election security and protect the present and future of American democracy. This brief aims to help state legislators meet this challenge.

To connect with experts, advocates, or peer legislators advancing the solutions covered here, or to receive support on legislative research, communications, or strategy, please contact the SiX Democracy Team at democracy@stateinnovation.org.


State Efforts To Protect The Affordable Care Act

After a decade of implementation, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made health insurance and health care more available and affordable for tens of millions of people — many of whom will rely heavily on its provisions to deal with the public health crisis brought on by COVID-19. In fact, some states have begun to reopen their health insurance exchanges to increase coverage during the coronavirus outbreak.

No matter what we look like, where we live, or what’s in our wallets, this pandemic reminds us that at our core, we are all just human. As our nation and our communities struggle to respond to this national emergency, we are reminded how important health care is to our long-term success. Our own health depends on the health of the person next to us, and the person next to them. Ensuring others can access care is how we take care of ourselves.

girl sitting in a doctors office

Over the last four years, the ACA has been challenged by the Trump Administration. When Congress did not overturn the legislation, the Administration simply refused to implement key parts of the law, weakened it through executive order, and sought to challenge it through the courts. Even in the midst of this crisis, Trump said that he is still trying to overturn the ACA, suing in court to take health care coverage away from tens of millions of Americans at a time when they need it most. If successful, this lawsuit would take coverage away from 20 million Americans and end protections for 130 million people with preexisting conditions. The uncertainty and misinformation continue to create dangerous confusion that divides us at this critical time.

State legislators across the country have taken action to protect and defend the health of their communities. They have joined together to implement proven solutions so that whether white, Black, Latino, or Asian, native or newcomer, everyone can get the care they need.

This memo outlines the attacks on the ACA, policy solutions at the state level, key messages, and additional resources for legislators.

Trump Administration Attacks on the ACA

The Trump Administration, with a Republican Congress, took actions to destabilize the ACA by increasing the risk of adverse selection; two examples of this include effectively ending the individual mandate by setting it at $0 and expanding short-term limited-duration (STLD) plans from a stopgap insurance to a cheaper and less regulated alternative to an ACA plan.

The table below from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities highlights some of the actions the Administration has taken to undermine the health care law.

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State Legislation to Defend the ACA

Through work with state and national health advocacy partners, legislators have led the way to protect key ACA components so that everyone can stay covered. The following are examples of relevant legislation.

Annual or Lifetime Limits: States stopped insurers from re-imposing lifetime limits on benefits, which before the ACA forced many insurance holders to choose between bankruptcy and gettingthe care they needed.

Preexisting Conditions: At least 14 states have taken steps to ensure health insurance providers cannot deny coverage to individuals with preexisting conditions.

Regulation of Non-ACA-Compliant Plans: States must regulate more than just the plans in their ACA marketplace, as non-ACA compliant-plans increase the risk of adverse selection and create a loophole for insurers to get around state ACA protections. Regulation of short-term limited-duration (STLD) plans have been loosened at the federal level, and it is up to the states to provide strong regulations.

Two health care professionals review chart

Expanded Premium Subsidies: States have enacted legislationto expand the low-income population eligible to receive premiumassistance subsidies.

Cost Sharing: State legislation limits cost sharing, which includes deductibles, copayments, andother non-premium related expenses.

Essential Health Benefits: States can ensure essential health benefitsremain covered.

State Individual Mandate:  Reinstating the individual mandate at the state level can provide an incentive for young and generally healthy individuals to remain in an individual insurance pool and lower premiumsby preventing adverse selection.

Marketplace Competition: A handful of states either require certain insurers to participate or tie insurer eligibility for participation in public health plans (e.g., Medicaid, CHIP, and plans for public employees) to participation in the state’s ACA marketplace.

Anti-Discrimination: In 2019, the Trump Administration took steps to significantly weaken anti discrimination provisions within Section 1557 of the ACA. This would negatively impact LGBTQ rights (with potentially the greatest impact to transgender individuals), women’s reproductive rights, and language access for individuals with limited English proficiency.

Rating Factors: States have acted to make sure insurance companies cannot raise premium rates based on gender, health status, or occupation/industry.

Black healthcare professional wheels patient in wheelchair

Messaging

Additional Resources

Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)

Center for American Progress

Community Catalyst

“The Advocate’s Guide to: Health Insurance Reform”

Commonwealth Fund

Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)

Protect Our Care

Abortion is Essential Healthcare

Crisis does not erase inequality. It lays it bare.

We've seen how low-income communities of color, have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis. And we've seen how anti-abortion officials are pulling out all the stops to use this crisis as an excuse to ban abortion.

During this unprecedented pandemic, our elected officials should be focused on our families’ health and safety. It’s unconscionable that politicians would use a national crisis to try to deny critical health care to anyone. Now more than ever we should be coming together as communities to make sure everyone can safely get the healthcare they need, not actively working to deny our neighbors care--including and especially abortion care.

That's why SiX Repro Team worked with legal, medical, and legislative experts to release a 19-minute video on abortion as essential healthcare.