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Tag: Here We Stand

Medicaid: Where Things Stand

July 16, 2026

BY: Sarah Dobson

Given the continuing challenges related to Medicaid, including further cuts in a potential third reconciliation bill and H.R. 1’s ongoing impacts, Lutheran Services in America recently held a series of meetings with key House and Senate offices, including the Senate Finance, Senate HELP, House Energy and Commerce, and House Ways and Means, along with Montana, Nebraska, and Iowa offices.

What Did We Learn?

Initial implementation of work requirements is causing confusion. Staff noted that Nebraska’s rollout is underway, with Iowa, Montana, and Arkansas beginning soon. Given the challenges already arising in Nebraska, members of Congress and their staff are eager to stay informed, especially to understand ongoing impacts. Lutheran Family Services was featured, and Chris Tonniges was quoted, in the recent NBC News Story “New Medicaid Work Requirements Prompt ‘Extreme Mass Confusion’ in Nebraska,” which illustrates the current confusion.

A third reconciliation bill?  Some staff believe a package is coming — likely to pass the House but face hurdles in the Senate — while others noted only early-stage discussion centered on tax policy. Committee jurisdiction and timing remain open questions.

The DOJ Olmstead statement is drawing concern. Multiple offices raised alarm about the statement’s implications for home- and community-based services (HCBS) and encouraged strong advocacy on the issue, including the use of strong evidence related to HCBS services.

Congress wants to hear from you. Nearly every office asked for the same things: personal stories, data — including estimates of coverage loss — and local news coverage showing district-level impact.

Take Action: Below are ways to leverage Here We Stand resources to defend Medicaid, including through the August recess:

→ Take action in two minutes. Use our turn-key advocacy tool to send a message to your lawmakers urging them not to make further cuts to Medicaid funding as part of any future budget reconciliation bill.

→ Schedule an in-district meeting. Members of Congress are home during the August recess. Our Action Guide walks you through the ask.

→ Share your impact story. How are Medicaid changes affecting your organization and the people you serve? Share your insights with us.

→ Explore the full toolkit. Messaging materials to lead the conversation in your community.

Sarah Dobson is Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Lutheran Services in America.

Here We Stand: Coming Together with New Resources

May 14, 2026

BY: Sarah Dobson

On April 23, Lutheran Services in America network members from our Policy and Advocacy Committee, the Disability Network, and the board of directors convened in Washington, D.C., for a day of meetings with Congressional offices. Nineteen member organizations were represented, and over 40 meetings were conducted in total.

Our Asks? No more cuts to Medicaid. Support for Workforce and Housing.

As part of our recent re-launch of our Here We Stand campaign to protect Medicaid, network members went to the Hill with three primary asks:

What can you do?

This is a pivotal moment as we work on two fronts:

  • Federal: Congress is considering a third budget reconciliation bill that may mean even deeper cuts to Medicaid. Learn more and take action.
  • State-level efforts: Whether your state is already working on implementation of H.R. 1 provisions including work reporting requirements and limitations from provider tax constraints, state budgets are tightening and most will be trying to do more with less.

Also consider the following:

  • 5/21: Join our May Capitol Conversations webinar to learn more about future budget reconciliation efforts.
  • Sign-up for one-on-one consultation to review updated Here We Stand. Resources and options for action. to review updated Here We Stand. Resources and options for action.
  • Use our new Here We Stand resources to engage with lawmakers and the media. Materials include:
    • Medicaid Brief: Backgrounder on state fiscal challenges, Medicaid program integrity and waste, fraud and abuse.
    • Action Guide: Suggested ways you can engage policymakers at the state or federal levels.
    • Medicaid FAQs: Frequently asked questions and answers about the importance of Medicaid, policy impacts, and the Here We Stand campaign.
    • Messaging for Federal Lawmakers: Suggested messaging for meetings with members of Congress (House and Senate).
    • Messaging for State Lawmakers: Suggested talking points for your meetings/engagements with state lawmakers and officials.

Please contact the Lutheran Services in America government relations and public policy team:

Sue Polis
Sarah Dobson
Bill Kallestad
Kylie Bowlds

Support with communications efforts:

Christopher Findlay

 

Sarah Dobson is Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Lutheran Services in America.

Announcing Our New Standing Public Policy and Advocacy Committee

October 21, 2025

BY: Sarah Dobson

We’re pleased to announce the formal launch of our Public Policy and Advocacy Committee, transitioning from a successful one-year pilot into a permanent body that will guide and elevate our network’s federal policy agenda.

This marks a key step in advancing our shared mission. Building on the “Here We Stand” campaign, the committee will amplify our national advocacy efforts and reflect the diversity and expertise of our network, bringing together 20 leaders from across our network working in health, housing, aging, child and family services and disability.

The committee will focus on priority issues like Medicaid, affordable housing, and workforce development, while also exploring how data, AI, and emerging technologies can strengthen service delivery. It will help shape our federal policy positions and support coordinated advocacy across member organizations.

We’ll also leverage members’ connections to anchor strategic meetings with lawmakers, especially those in leadership or on key committees, alongside network members from the same states or districts. These engagements will support both federal and state-level advocacy.

At a time when public trust in institutions is waning, our “Here We Stand” polling offers both encouragement and direction: a majority of Americans trust faith-based providers to deliver high-quality care. This committee will help us lean into that trust by lifting up our collective voice, demonstrating impact, and deepening our commitment to the people and communities we serve.

The committee consists of:

  • Michelle Angalet, Chief Operating Officer, Inspiritus
  • Salah Ansary, Regional Director, Lutheran Community Services Northwest
  • LaSharnda Beckwith, President & CEO, Lutheran Social Services of Southern California
  • Murray Chanow, Sr. VP of Brand & Public Affairs, Upbring
  • Stephanie Chedid, President & CEO, Luther Manor
  • Héctor Colón, President & CEO, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan
  • Anne Dennis-Choi, President & CEO, AK Child & Family
  • Maria Foschia, CEO, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry
  • Shelly Griffith, CEO, Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center
  • Chris Koenig, President & CEO, Niagara Lutheran Health System, Inc.
  • Adam Marles, President & CEO, Lutheran Senior Services
  • Amy Moore, VP of External Relations , Ascentria
  • Tara Muir, Advocacy & Government Relations Coordinator , Immanuel
  • Margaret Nimmo, Chief Strategy Officer, enCircle
  • Joan Plump, Chief of Staff, Gemma Services
  • Mark Stutrud, President & CEO, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
  • Erin Sutton, Senior Director of Advocacy, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
  • Tom Syverson, Director of Government and External Affairs, Good Samaritan
  • Linda Timmons, President & CEO, Mosaic

We’re excited to grow this committee into a cornerstone of our advocacy efforts, ensuring our values are reflected in the lives we touch and the communities we serve.

Sarah Dobson is Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Lutheran Services in America.

Here We Stand: Advocating for People, for Care, for Medicaid

July 17, 2025

BY: Sarah Dobson

Our members continue to be at the forefront of advocacy in defending Medicaid, grounded in our unified, faith-based message: Here We Stand. For People. For Care. For Medicaid.

Across our network, members have demonstrated commitment through advocacy, outreach, and a willingness to share their stories.

  • Our members came to Washington to join in three Capitol Hill fly-ins to make their voices heard, resulting in over 80 meetings (cumulatively) with key members of Congress.
  • Our calls to action engaged more than 700 individuals, including 128 from the Lutheran Services in America network, expanding our reach to new partners and advocates.
  • In partnership with 4media Group, 34 advocates were trained in media engagement and eight earned media pieces, such as op-eds and letters to the editor, were written, collectively reaching an audience of more than 3 million.
  • Our Here We Stand video and paid ad campaign ran in more than a dozen reputable websites, including USA Today, Forbes and broadcast television news sites. The campaign yielded more than 381,000 impressions, exceeding our goal of 250,000, and garnered nearly 233,000 completed views—an above-industry benchmark video completion rate of 70 percent.
  • Coverage included TV, statewide radio and earned media, including KenCrest, Genacross Lutheran Services, and enCircle.

The breadth of our engagement reflects the power of faith-rooted advocacy and the impact of our collective voice in protecting care for millions.

Sarah Dobson is Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Lutheran Services in America.

Voice. Evidence. Action.

May 23, 2025

BY: Alesia Frerichs

Our strength as a trusted, community-centered national network comes not just from our size and scale, but from the intersections of our work where message, evidence, and action meet. Last week was a vivid example of that alignment as we launched the Here We Stand campaign, published a new issue brief, “Innovating Care Through Community Partnerships,” and hosted a Results Network convening with 50 leaders from across the country.

Together, these initiatives tell a story of collaboration, innovation, and a united, faith-based voice leading with purpose.

Medicaid is a cornerstone of our work and a lifeline for the people we serve in more than 1,400 communities nationwide. As policymakers at both the state and federal levels continue to debate the program’s future, Here We Stand gives voice to our shared values. It boldly affirms our unwavering commitment to the millions who rely on Medicaid and reflects our unique perspective as a network that works across the full spectrum of Medicaid stakeholders. This is more than messaging—it’s a public declaration of who we are and what we stand for.

That voice is rooted in real, on-the-ground innovation. Our new issue brief highlights how Lutheran Services in America members are transforming care by forging partnerships between Medicaid Managed Care and community-based organizations, showing how integration of behavioral health and non-medical services and supports are improving outcomes for children and families and strengthening communities. A future brief and forthcoming blueprint will spotlight similar innovation across the network including in aging services and the Disability Network.

These ideas don’t just live on paper. They come to life through our learning communities. From the Rural Aging Action Networks to the Disability Network and, just last week, the Results Network convening.

These aren’t parallel tracks—they are deeply connected. The message shapes the narrative. The evidence builds credibility. The convenings fuel collaboration, innovation, and momentum.

Together, they show what’s possible when we speak with one voice, ground our work in truth, and lead with courage and community. This is how change happens. This is how we light the way—united, unwavering, and filled with purpose.

Alesia Frerichs is the President & CEO of Lutheran Services in America.

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