"I think it’s important for our lawmakers to . understand what [their constituents] are facing.". Yolanda Pierson testified in the state legislature about the medical debt struggles she faced while caring for her son and it helped improve state law.

In many places in the U.S.—especially rural areas and less populated cities—manufactured homes are the only way to build new single-family housing. But zoning laws often prevent communities from using them. Some states are fixing that.

Opioid overdose deaths may be down in the U.S.—but they're still hurting communities nationwide. Enter: Naloxone, the lifesaving overdose reversal drug that more people should have access to.

By 2030, 1 in 5 people in the U.S. will be at least 65. Absent zoning and land-use reforms—which are widely popular—the nation won't be able to meet their housing needs.

RT @pewtrusts: Every year since 2021, more than 100,000 people in the U.S. have died from a drug overdose. Most of those involve opioids.….

Consumer debt lawsuits are on the rise around the US. Losing a case can have profound consequences. Yet, courts may not be looking at if a claim is valid—or if the right person is being sued for the right amount. States can level the playing field.

"When you see that the hospital is suing you … it makes you question, 'Can I afford to go to the doctor?' vs. 'How do I get the best care?'". After her own struggles, Yolanda Pierson advocated for better medical debt policy—and made real change happen.

RT @pewtrusts: States with the biggest pension debt challenges (FY22):.1) Illinois.2) New Jersey.3) Mississippi.4) Connecticut.5) Kentucky….

Even though Yolanda Pierson was paying her bills for her son's rare eye disease, she was still sued by a collection agency. Her experience is common. Families are pulled into sometimes unnecessary lawsuits that drain court resources because they don't know about charity care.

Achieving homeownership, building wealth, and having stable housing shouldn't just be fantasies for Americans—but often are. How can the federal government and states help? Start here 👇

Every year since 2021, more than 100,000 people in the U.S. have died from a drug overdose. Most of those involve opioids. States can bring these numbers down by expanding access to naloxone—the lifesaving overdose reversal medication.

RT @pewhealth: The overdose reversal medication naloxone is—without a doubt—one of the best tools to prevent opi-oid-related deaths. Here….

Modern manufactured homes are the same quality as site-built houses—but cost up to two-thirds less. As the housing shortage has worsened over the past 5 years, 9 states have enacted reforms that boost access to this cost-effective solution.

"It’s not hard to be motivated by this issue.". Inspired by local students who lost a friend to fentanyl-laced drugs, Colorado State Sen. Cleave Simpson (R) has made curbing the overdose crisis a top priority. #COPolitics

Absent reform, the rise in debt collection lawsuits may:. ⚖️ Further congest already overcrowded civil courts.⚖️ Lead to judgments that can haunt people for decades.⚖️ Have major financial consequences for the 1 in 4 adults with a debt in collections.

Fast, flexible, career-ready: short-term credentials are growing quickly. But how do we ensure quality and value? . States can lead the way by setting clear standards, funding programs, and aligning them with workforce needs.

More than 7 in 10 older U.S. adults want to age in place, according to @AARPpolicy. But that often isn't possible due to a housing shortage that is driving up costs and creating instability. To fix that, states and cities can use these popular reforms.

RT @pewtrusts: Fast, flexible, career-ready: short-term credentials are growing quickly. But how do we ensure quality and value? . States….

At least 20 of the 25 most populous U.S. cities have reported budget gaps for FY26—and often beyond. States may be limited in the financial help they can offer given many face their own deficits.

Overdose deaths involving multiple substances are growing. 3 ways states can help:. 1) Reduce barriers to effective medications.2) Support stimulant use disorder treatment.3) Boost access to naloxone, drug test strips, and other lifesaving tools. #IOAD2025