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New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that a federal judge has approved her request for a preliminary injunction. This blocks the Trump administration from ending federal funding for school-based mental health programs. James stated that every student deserves access to mental health care, emphasizing the importance of these programs for students' well-being. In July, she and 15 other attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the U. S. Department of Education to protect funding for two vital grant programs created after school shootings like those in Parkland and Uvalde. The court's ruling ensures that New York's universities and school districts can continue to access over $7.6 million for mental health services.

“Every student deserves access to mental health care, no matter who they are or where they live. This order is a victory for our young people, and for every educator working to keep our schools safe and supportive. There…

A grand jury in Virginia indicted New York Attorney General Letitia (Tish) James on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution related to a mortgage she obtained in 2020. The Trump-appointed judge had reinvigorated the case after a 5-month investigation led by the previous judge found no evidence that James had made false statements related to a different home purchase in Virginia. James said,

https://www.timesunion.com/state/article/ny-attorney-general-letitia-james-indicted-21093228.php?utm_source=capconstack&utm_medium=email

The federal government shut down overnight. Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements will continue, but many HHS staff have been furloughed, delaying Medicaid operations, rulemaking, and waiver approvals. SAMHSA will operate with limited staff but will maintain critical services including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Previously awarded grant funds remain available, but new grants, approvals, and funding opportunities are on hold. Telehealth flexibilities under Medicare expired Sept. 30. Without congressional action, pre-pandemic rules take effect today.

The Senate passed a reauthorization of the SUPPORT Act, which covers several programs related to substance use disorder treatment and support for the behavioral health workforce. The bill now awaits the president's signature.

So far, it's looking like we will see a government shutdown before we see agreement on funding. Senate Democrats refused to pass the House Republicans' continuing resolution (CR) that would keep the government afloat for 7 weeks beyond the end of September. They instead introduced a counterproposal that would also repeal many of the pieces of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that gutted Medicaid funding, extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, and extend the CCBHC demonstration program.

Recent changes in federal law (H.R. 1, Public Law 119-21) will eliminate premium tax credit eligibility for roughly half of New York’s 1.7 million Essential Plan enrollees, and cut $7.5 billion of annual funding for the program under the 1332 Waiver. Governor Hochul and the Department of Health announced today that the state will not backfill this funding, which is what supported truly significant expansions in Essential Plan eligibility in recent years.. Instead, the state plans to terminate the 1332 waiver and re-activate the Basic Health Program (BHP) in order to mitigate the impact and maintain coverage for 1.3 million individuals. 450,000 individuals with incomes under $39,125 per year will lose their access to comprehensive and low-cost health insurance. These changes are expected to take effect by July 1, 2026. Enrollees who remain eligible under the BHP will continue their coverage without disruption. Others will transition to Qualified Health Plans,…

Governor Kathy Hochul will soon call a special election to fill the North Country Assembly seat vacated by Billy Jones, who is leaving for a job at Clinton Community College. Republicans have nominated State Police Troop B Commander Brent Davison, despite Rep. Elise Stefanik’s push for Malone Mayor Andrea Dumas, while Democrats selected Michael Cashman, mayor of the town of Plattsburgh. The race will pit Davison against Cashman, both chosen by their party chairs rather than through a primary, as required in special elections.

Rep. Jerry Nadler announced he will not seek reelection in 2026, ending a 32-year career in Congress after previously serving in the New York State Assembly. His retirement opens the field for several Manhattan Democrats, with names floated including Assemblyman Micah Lasher (Nadler’s reported preferred successor), Assemblyman Alex Bores, Council Member Eric Bottcher, Assemblyman Tony Simone, Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, and State Sen. Liz Krueger. Liam Elkind, a nonprofit founder, has already launched a challenge. Read more here.

Susan Monarez was confirmed as the Director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just a few weeks ago, but was already removed from the position because she refused to fire top agency leaders and sign off on vaccine changes that came from RFK JR.'s vaccine advisers. Read more here.

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a settlement requiring MVP Health Plan to ensure the accuracy of its mental health provider directory and network, and to provide restitution to members harmed by inaccurate listings. This comes after an investigation that revealed many providers listed as accepting new patients were unreachable, leaving members without needed care or forcing them to pay out-of-pocket. Under the agreement, MVP must strengthen oversight, guarantee accurate provider information, and deliver financial relief to impacted New Yorkers. Read more here.