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Op-Ed: Now is the time for members of Congress to support efforts that combat obesity | Pennsylvania

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www.thecentersquare.com – Dr. Stuart Shapiro – (The Center Square – ) 2025-03-29 08:00:00

 

(The Center Square) – As the old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and in my decades of experience in healthcare that absolutely rings true. Thanks to some promising new medical advances, we have a real opportunity to bring prevention and harm reduction to the fight against obesity at scale.

There is currently a proposed Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) draft rule that would provide for coverage for Anti-Obesity Medications (AOMs) to beneficiaries. These medications, known as GLP-1s and commonly known by brand names such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, have been shown to dramatically reduce obesity in patients who have access to them. Unfortunately, access is often limited by authorization and cost, and not everyone who needs these medications is able to obtain them.

In the U.S. more than 40% of adults are dealing with obesity, which means that there are more than 100 million adults who are obese, and more than 22 million who meet the definition of “severe obesity.” Worse yet, the phenomenon has been increasing dramatically in recent years. In 2000, the adult obesity rate was only 30%. Even more alarmingly, the rate of adults with severe obesity has nearly doubled in that time, going from 4.7% to 9.2%. 

Fortunately, Pennsylvania is doing somewhat better than the national figures, with only 33% of adult Pennsylvanians meeting the definition of obesity, but that still means that millions of Pennsylvanians are susceptible to the negative health outcomes of obesity, and adopting this rule for Medicare and Medicaid would bring vital new treatment options to the nearly 6 million Pennsylvanians who are enrolled in one of the programs, and since Medicaid is partially funded by state tax dollars, this move would also benefit all Pennsylvania taxpayers.

Many adults with obesity are also dealing with one or more related chronic ailments. In the U.S. 58% of adults with obesity also have high blood pressure, and 23% have diabetes. Not only does obesity lead to worse health outcomes for those affected, the obesity epidemic harms society at large by causing health care spending to skyrocket. 

The average annual medical costs in 2019 was nearly $2,000 higher for adults with obesity, and more than $3,000 higher for adults with severe obesity, leading to an additional $173 billion in medical expenditures that could have been directed elsewhere. According to CMS, health care spending in the U.S. reached nearly $5 trillion in 2023, which accounts for 17.6% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

These numbers paint a troubling picture of the present, and predict an even more dire future, but the good news is that we have a historic opportunity to reverse course. If the Trump administration moves to finalize this rule, the benefits would be dramatic. 

There is even new research from Penn State indicating that these drugs could help combat the opioid epidemic. Researchers like Dr. Patricia Grigson and Dr. Scott Bunce recently found that these medications reduced addiction-like behavior for heroin and fentanyl in rodent trials, as well as in preclinical human trials. The mere fact that these medications could one day not only treat obesity, but opioid addiction is revolutionary—and this research is taking place right here in Pennsylvania. 

As the Trump administration looks to “Make America Healthy Again,” our members of Congress like Reps. Fitzpatrick, Joyce, and Kelly are being presented with a prime opportunity to do just that. They can demonstrate their leadership and willingness to eliminate access barriers for Medicare beneficiaries by supporting the extension of the draft CMS rule. Together, they can help make good on President Trump’s promise to forge a healthier path for Pennsylvanians and our nation. 

Dr. Stuart Shapiro, formerly Philadelphia Health Commissioner and Staff Leader of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Health, has enjoyed a successful and diversified career as a businessman, entrepreneur, high-ranking government official and a physician. He has been an advocate for compassionate, quality, and affordable care throughout his distinguished career.

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News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

Review board recommends no charter for Agape Achievement Academy | North Carolina

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www.thecentersquare.com – By David Beasley | The Center Square contributor – (The Center Square – ) 2025-08-05 09:57:00


A new charter school in Fayetteville, Agape Achievement Academy, may not open as planned on August 21 after the Charter School Review Board recommended the state Board of Education deny its charter. The school failed to present an acceptable budget despite multiple revisions; its financial projections were deemed incomplete or incorrect. Agape aims to serve grades K-3 with 168 students and emphasizes literacy as key to academic success. The state requires evidence of operational readiness, including a balanced budget, before approval. Agape recently submitted a revised budget showing a surplus, which includes employee contributions to health insurance costs. The final decision is expected soon.

(The Center Square) – A new charter school in Fayetteville may not be able to open as planned later this month following a recommendation by a state school board panel on Monday.

The Charter School Review Board recommended that the state Board of Education not approve a charter for Agape Achievement Academy. It has been scheduled to open Aug. 21.

“Agape has not been able to present an acceptable budget within the required time frame despite a number opportunities,” school board member John Blackburn said Monday following the panel’s review of Agape’s application. “We support that finding,” Blackburn said.

The state school board is expected to issue a final vote on Agape at its meeting later this week.

“Agape Achievement Academy recognizes that a foundation in literacy is crucial to academic achievement in the upper grades and life-long scholarship,” the school says on its website. “We also recognize a foundation in literacy provides students with the strongest likelihood to meet their full potential as students.”

But questions over both enrollment and finances cast doubt on the school’s chances of opening its doors this month.

Agape was scheduled open for grades K-3 with an enrollment of 168, Ashley Baquero, director of the state’s Office of Charter Schools, told the school board panel Monday.

The application for a charter school was originally submitted in 2022.

Before opening, charter schools must first complete a year-long planning program called “Ready to Open,” Baquero said.

Schools must also present evidence of “readiness to operate,” which include proposed budgets that show the school at least breaking even financially, Baquero added.

Agape’s budget projections were either “incorrect or incomplete,” Baquero told the school board panel.

The proposed budget was returned to the school four times for revision, Baquero said.

“The fourth submission of the budget was deemed insufficient,” she said.

On Monday, school officials submitted another revised budget which projects the school having a surplus, William O’Kelly, chairman of the Agape board of directors, told the state board panel Monday. Changes in the new proposed budget include requiring employees to pay 20% of their health insurance costs, saving $19,200 per year.

The post Review board recommends no charter for Agape Achievement Academy | North Carolina appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Centrist

The article provides a straightforward report on the challenges facing Agape Achievement Academy’s charter school application and does not promote a particular ideological stance or viewpoint. It presents factual information about the decision-making process of the state school board, including quotes from board members, details about budget concerns, and procedural requirements for charter schools. The language is neutral and focuses on presenting the sequence of events and official statements without editorializing or using loaded terms that could indicate bias. Thus, the content adheres to neutral, factual reporting by covering the issue without advocating for or against the charter school or any broader political position related to education policy.

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News from the South - Texas News Feed

Texas House speaker signs civil arrest warrants for absconding Democrats | Texas

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor – (The Center Square – ) 2025-08-04 19:59:00


After dozens of Texas House Democrats left the state to block a redistricting vote, House Speaker Dustin Burrows signed civil arrest warrants and directed law enforcement to bring them back. Governor Greg Abbott ordered state troopers to assist and warned of potential bribery charges linked to fundraising by fleeing Democrats. The Democrats fled to prevent a vote that could shift up to five Congressional seats from blue to red. Burrows emphasized the importance of completing legislative duties, including flood relief and education reform. Abbott also tasked Texas Rangers with investigating legal violations related to the Democrats’ absence. The House reconvenes Tuesday.

(The Center Square) – After no quorum was reached in the Texas House on Monday, House Speaker Dustin Burrows voted for and signed motions the House passed requiring the return of 56 missing Democrats. This included Burrows signing civil warrants for their arrest and directing the sergeant of arms to find those in Texas and bring them back to the capitol.

Those who absconded out of the state can only be arrested by Texas law enforcement within state lines, which is why dozens of Democrats left the state Sunday to halt a vote on a Congressional redistricting effort that could flip up to five seats from blue to red.

However, when asked if Burrows would accept assistance from the Trump administration to arrest Democrats who went to Illinois and New York, he replied, “we will do whatever we need to do to continue this important work. There is nothing off the table.”

Gov. Greg Abbott also directed Texas Department of Public Safety troopers to assist with their arrest and return to the capitol, The Center Square reported.

On Sunday, dozens of House Democrats announced “the special session was over” in opposition to Texas redistricting efforts and left the state. The legislature had convened on July 21 for 30 days to address 18 legislative items, including funding and policy changes related to the historic July 4 deadly flood event. On Saturday, a House committee passed a redistricting bill that was scheduled for a vote on Monday. By absconding, House Democrats delayed the vote.

Sunday night, Abbott ordered that they return to Austin or they would be arrested and potentially removed from office. He also said those who were fundraising were potentially committing bribery.

Democrats who fled “abandoned their posts, and turned their backs on the constituents they swore to represent,” Burrows said. “They’ve shirked their responsibilities under the direction of pressure of out-of-state politicians and activists who don’t know the first thing about what’s right for Texas.”

After signing the civil arrest warrants, Burrows held a news conference saying the House had important work that needed to be done.

“We encountered unprecedented flooding in the Hill Country. We have members of committees who have met not only in Austin to meet with the relevant state officials, but also the families,” he said. They’ve been working on legislation that has been filed, referred, and will be heard,” he said. The bills relate to funding for flood victims but also policy changes to implement to help with future floods.

Other issues include eliminating the STAAR test, property tax reform, human trafficking penalties and protections, among others the governor put on the call for the special session.

He also explained that lawmakers not working is not optional.

Pursuant to the Texas Constitution, “the governor gets to set the agenda, and the constitution says the members of the legislature shall show up to do their jobs,” Burrows said. “I am proud of the members who are here. It was bipartisan. I am hopeful there’ll be more members here tomorrow.

“But I am disappointed that while these members are here reporting for their duty under the Constitution, others are out of the state in New York and Chicago, in places they do not represent.”

He also said that while the work of the House may be delayed, “whether it’s tomorrow or next week, the House will complete its required duties.”

Authorities will be arresting members who are in the state, including one who announced a fundraiser in Austin on Tuesday, Burrows said. He sent the information “to DPS and said they should be invited to attend as well,” he said.

Abbott on Monday afternoon also directed the Texas Rangers to “immediately investigate fleeing Texas House Democrats for potential bribery and any other potential legal violations connected to their refusal to appear for a quorum, conduct business, and cast votes. That investigation should extend to anyone who aided or abetted such potential crimes.”

Based on statements Democrats made in news conferences and posts on social media, many solicited or claimed to receive funds to evade conducting legislative business and casting votes. “Under the Texas Penal Code, any of those Democrats who solicit, accept, or agree to accept such funds to assist in the violation of legislative duties or for purposes of skipping a vote may have violated bribery laws,” Abbott said. “Also, it could be a bribery violation for any other person who offers, provides, or agrees to provide such funds to fleeing Democrat House members.” 

The House is scheduled to convene on Tuesday at 1 pm.

The post Texas House speaker signs civil arrest warrants for absconding Democrats | Texas appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Center-Right

The article primarily reports on the actions and statements of Texas Republican leaders, focusing on their efforts to compel absent Democratic lawmakers to return and complete legislative business. The language reflects a perspective aligned with the Republican viewpoint, emphasizing duty, law enforcement, and criticism of the Democrats’ tactics. While the piece quotes officials directly and covers the Democrats’ strategy factually, the framing centers on the disruption caused by Democrats and highlights Republican efforts to enforce legislative rules. This focus and tone suggest a center-right bias rather than neutral reporting, as it largely presents the Republican narrative without exploring Democratic arguments or context in equal depth.

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News from the South - Oklahoma News Feed

Rollins extends sugary drinks ban to six more states | National

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Andrew Rice | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-08-04 15:58:00


U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins approved six waivers allowing Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and West Virginia to exclude sodas and energy drinks from SNAP benefits. These states join Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Utah, and Nebraska in such restrictions. Rollins emphasized the need to prevent taxpayer funds from buying unhealthy items, aiming to combat chronic illness. Colorado’s Democratic Governor Jared Polis supported the move, reflecting bipartisan cooperation. West Virginia and HHS officials highlighted the health and economic burdens of sugary drinks. Critics, including the American Beverage Association, argue the ban unfairly targets low-income families and won’t improve health outcomes. SNAP spending was $112.8 billion in 2023.

(The Center Square) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins approved six waivers to exclude sodas and energy drinks from federal nutrition programs on Monday.

Rollins signed waivers exempting soda and energy drinks from being included in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs in Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas and West Virginia. The six states join Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Utah and Nebraska in restricting sodas and energy drinks from SNAP.

“Since my confirmation, our department has encouraged states to think differently and creatively about how to solve the many health issues facing Americans,” Rollins said. “One way is by not allowing taxpayer funded benefits to be used to purchase unhealthy items like soda, candy and other junk food.”

Critics of the new push to ban soda and energy drinks under SNAP say it unfairly targets lower income families, limits consumer choice and won’t result in better health outcomes. 

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is the first Democrat governor to request a waiver of sugary drinks from the states SNAP program.

“This is not red or blue, Republican or Democrat. We are discussing and working with every state. So [I am ] really excited to continue to work with Governor Polis,” Rollins said. 

Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey joined Rollins for the announcement.

Morrisey praised his state’s inclusion as part of the SNAP waiver program. He said the lack of access to healthy foods in West Virginia contributes to the prevalence of chronic disease in residents.

“I’m happy now that West Virginia taxpayers are not going to be subsidizing soda and these sugary drinks, things that have no nutritional value and are directly linked to obesity, diabetes, and a lot of other terrible health care outcomes,” Morrisey said.

HHS Secretary Kennedy agreed with Morrisey. He said the inclusion of soda and energy drinks in SNAP increases the cost to medicaid and medicare programs due to increased chronic disease.

“US taxpayers should not be paying to feed kids foods – the poorest kids in our country – with foods that are the gift of diabetes. And my agency ends up through Medicaid and Medicare paying for those injuries,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy also gave an update on the dietary guidelines for Americans that he is working alongside Rollins to complete. He said the guidelines will be complete in late September, “three months ahead of schedule.”

“They will drive changes in the school lunch program, in prison lunches and military food, and they will begin to change America almost immediately,” Kennedy said.

Not everyone agrees.

“Make no mistake, this waiver won’t make an ounce of difference on health,” the trade organization American Beverage said when a waiver was being discussed in Ohio. “Obesity has skyrocketed in the last two decades while beverage calories per serving have dropped by 42% – thanks to our industry’s efforts to empower Americans with more choice and information. In fact, 60% of beverages Americans buy today have zero sugar due to our innovation.”

The U.S. government spent $112.8 billion on SNAP in 2023, covering 100% of the cost of food benefits and 50% of states’ administrative costs.

The post Rollins extends sugary drinks ban to six more states | National appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Center-Right

This article presents factual reporting on the recent waivers approved by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to exclude sodas and energy drinks from SNAP programs in multiple states. The tone is largely neutral but leans slightly toward a Center-Right perspective due to the emphasis on public health concerns tied to obesity, diabetes, and taxpayer costs, which are often highlighted in conservative-leaning policy discussions. The inclusion of statements from Republican officials and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as well as criticism from the beverage industry, provides some balance. However, the framing around reducing taxpayer spending on “junk food” and linking sugary drinks to negative health outcomes reflects a policy approach typically favored by Center-Right viewpoints, focusing on health responsibility and fiscal conservatism. The article avoids strong partisan language and acknowledges dissenting views, maintaining overall journalistic balance.

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