NURS 8100 Week 7 Assignment Personal Legislative Agenda

Proposed Legislation

Summary/

Description

Process &

Update

My Advocacy Actions

Current

Status

of Proposed Legislation

Next Steps

State: Minnesota H.F. 3 – Extend Medicaid Postpartum Coverage

This bill extends postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to 12 months for eligible women, aiming to improve access to physical and mental healthcare during the critical postpartum period. It ensures early intervention for complications such as depression, hypertension, and diabetes (Congress.gov, 2023).

State-level legislation introduced in the Minnesota House. Assigned to the Health Finance and Policy Committee. Updated February 2025 with bipartisan support and public hearings underway.

Sent letters of support to state legislators including Rep. Tina Liebling. Partnered with local nurse advocacy groups and attended public committee hearings. Created an infographic on postpartum mortality to distribute at community health events.

The bill is active in committee and has received positive feedback during public testimony. It is awaiting a committee vote before progressing to the House floor.

Continue stakeholder engagement with Minnesota Nurses Association. Schedule meetings with committee members to provide clinical evidence. Encourage community members to share postpartum stories with legislators. Monitor for amendments and prepare oral testimony for floor debate.

Federal: H.R. 3305 / S.1606 – Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2023

A federal legislative package composed of 13 bills focused on reducing maternal mortality and morbidity, especially among Black, Indigenous, and underserved women. It funds data collection, perinatal workforce expansion, mental health, telehealth, and social support services (Congress.gov, 2023).

Federal legislation introduced in both chambers. Referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate HELP Committee. Several components incorporated into annual spending bills. Updated March 2025.

Participated in a virtual advocacy day with the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). Submitted written testimony to Rep. Angie Craig’s office. Collaborated with the Black Mamas Matter Alliance on a social media campaign during Black Maternal Health Week.

The legislation is currently in committee review. It has over 100 cosponsors in the House and 20 in the Senate. Key provisions have been incorporated into broader health legislation, indicating partial progress.

Advocate for remaining provisions to be included in the upcoming federal health budget. Organize a local town hall with constituents and healthcare professionals. Continue coalition-building with maternal health organizations. Prepare written op-eds for local newspapers. Contact Senate champions to push bill toward a floor vote.

Kingdon’s Three Streams

Relevance to My Personal Legislative Agenda & Action Plan

Problem

The rising maternal mortality rates—especially among Black and Indigenous women—have gained national attention, with research and statistics highlighting that most deaths are preventable (Heck et al., 2020). In Minnesota, disparities in postpartum care access further highlight this as a critical issue. This growing concern aligns with the “problem stream,” signaling a need for urgent policy intervention.

Politics

The political climate is increasingly favorable for maternal health reform. The Biden administration and many state leaders have expressed support for reducing racial disparities in healthcare. Black Maternal Health Week, public pressure, and bipartisan state support in Minnesota show that the “politics stream” is open (Mehta et al., 2021). Additionally, several legislators are champions of maternal health (e.g., Rep. Lauren Underwood, Sen. Cory Booker).

Policy

Viable solutions like the Momnibus Act and Minnesota H.F. 3 are already developed, evidence-based, and endorsed by health organizations such as ACOG, AWHONN, and March of Dimes. These solutions represent the “policy stream” and are ready to be acted upon if aligned with political will and problem recognition.

Likelihood of Policy Change

High. The convergence of growing public awareness (problem), political momentum (politics), and well-crafted legislative proposals (policy) increases the chances that these bills will advance. Minnesota’s legislation has strong bipartisan support, and parts of the Momnibus have already been folded into federal packages.

Next Steps

·        Organize maternal health storytelling events to build emotional and data-driven urgency.

·        Maintain regular communication with legislators and their health policy aides.

·        Collaborate with state-level coalitions for a joint letter to the committee chair in support of H.F. 3.

·        Advocate for full passage of remaining Momnibus components by leveraging coalition support and contacting federal lawmakers.