HHS Budget Would Fund Discrimination at Expense of Civil Rights Enforcement

In January 2018, the Trump administration’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) established a new division in its Office for Civil Rights (OCR): the Conscience and Religious Freedom Division (CRFD). According to HHS, the CRFD was established to “more vigorously and effectively enforce existing laws protecting the rights of conscience and religious freedom.” However, the OCR’s Civil Rights Division (CRD) already had jurisdiction over enforcing conscience and religious freedom laws and was doing so effectively. Moreover, conscience-related complaints have historically averaged at just 1.25 per year. The establishment of an entire division for such an issue is troubling in that it indicates a reprioritization of the OCR’s mission.

HHS’ latest budget proposal further illuminates the shifted priorities of the OCR and its director, Roger Severino. Among other things, the proposal seeks to weaken enforcement of civil rights protections and give credence to discrimination against LGBTQ people. This column takes a look at how the OCR budget requests reflect the priorities of the Trump administration when it comes to civil rights—and how Severino’s policies are particularly harmful to the civil rights of LGBTQ people. Continue reading “HHS Budget Would Fund Discrimination at Expense of Civil Rights Enforcement”

Wednesday at 11: House DFL Majority to Announce Health and Human Services Budget

LeSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – On Wednesday at 11 a.m., the House DFL Majority is holding a news conference to announce a new Health and Human Services budget.

The House DFL’s HHS proposal budget lowers the cost of health care, addresses rising prescription drug prices, increases the quality of coverage, and gives patients and their doctors more power over their care.

WHAT: News Conference Announcing House Health and Human Services Budget

WHO: Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman; Majority Leader Ryan Winkler; Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester), Chair of the House Health and Human Services Finance Division

WHEN: Wednesday, April 3 at 11 AM

WHERE: Room 181, State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Saint Paul