Jamila Michener
@povertyscholar.bsky.social
Prof @Cornell studying: power, poverty, racism, policy (health & housing) |Author: Fragmented Democracy: Medicaid, Federalism & Unequal Politics |Builder|Believer
Happening today @1pm ET. Join the discussion if you're able! I'll be starting things off with grounding thoughts on Medicaid & structural racism. The conversation to follow will center on strategies community-based orgs can take to keep folks on Medicaid.
meetattheintersection.org/a-crucial-mo...
meetattheintersection.org/a-crucial-mo...
A Crucial Moment for Medicaid: How to Help – The Intersection Where Anti-Racism and Healthcare Meet
meetattheintersection.org
October 16, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Happening today @1pm ET. Join the discussion if you're able! I'll be starting things off with grounding thoughts on Medicaid & structural racism. The conversation to follow will center on strategies community-based orgs can take to keep folks on Medicaid.
meetattheintersection.org/a-crucial-mo...
meetattheintersection.org/a-crucial-mo...
I am grateful to work alongside colleagues in the health/public health space who are intentional about building our power as academics in service of advancing health equity. We are the Health and Power Organizing Project (HPOP). Read our AJPH paper here: ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/...
Why Building Power Is Key to Protecting Academic Public Health and Advancing Health Equity | AJPH | Vol. 115 Issue 11
American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) from the American Public Health Association (APHA)
ajph.aphapublications.org
October 9, 2025 at 9:55 PM
I am grateful to work alongside colleagues in the health/public health space who are intentional about building our power as academics in service of advancing health equity. We are the Health and Power Organizing Project (HPOP). Read our AJPH paper here: ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/...
Reposted by Jamila Michener
Super excited for this discussion on the structural determinants of health, moderated by Paula Braveman. A powerhouse panel - @tyson-brown.bsky.social @povertyscholar.bsky.social and Jonathan Heller
Join us for a Milbank Quarterly webinar on defining the structural determinants of health on Thursday, October 23 from 12-1pm ET
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Milbank Quarterly Webinar: Understanding the Structural Determinants of Health. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the w...
Structural determinants of health are hierarchical patterns of advantage among socially constructed groups that affect health. Unlike social determinants of health, the structural determinants of heal...
us02web.zoom.us
October 7, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Super excited for this discussion on the structural determinants of health, moderated by Paula Braveman. A powerhouse panel - @tyson-brown.bsky.social @povertyscholar.bsky.social and Jonathan Heller
My book w/@profsorelle.bsky.social will be out in January! These ideas have brewed since I interned at Queens Legal Services 20 years ago. The book is for anyone who cares about people, justice, power & democracy. Much more to share more in the coming months!
press.princeton.edu/books/hardco...
press.princeton.edu/books/hardco...
Uncivil Democracy
How the civil legal system undermines the political lives of marginalized communities
press.princeton.edu
September 22, 2025 at 2:59 PM
My book w/@profsorelle.bsky.social will be out in January! These ideas have brewed since I interned at Queens Legal Services 20 years ago. The book is for anyone who cares about people, justice, power & democracy. Much more to share more in the coming months!
press.princeton.edu/books/hardco...
press.princeton.edu/books/hardco...
Reposted by Jamila Michener
For the #EGEssaySeries, @povertyscholar.bsky.social points to how forces fueling right-wing populism are evident in the housing market and how tenant organizing can be powerful for creating better economic policies and strengthening U.S. democracy.
Read more 🔗: equitablegrowth.org/housing-inse...
Read more 🔗: equitablegrowth.org/housing-inse...
September 4, 2025 at 7:01 PM
For the #EGEssaySeries, @povertyscholar.bsky.social points to how forces fueling right-wing populism are evident in the housing market and how tenant organizing can be powerful for creating better economic policies and strengthening U.S. democracy.
Read more 🔗: equitablegrowth.org/housing-inse...
Read more 🔗: equitablegrowth.org/housing-inse...
Medicaid turned 60 this week! My piece in Health Affairs Forefront argues that its future "hinges on who has the power to direct its course." Building & organizing power among Medicaid beneficiaries is the path towards transformative change. Read more here 👇🏾
www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore...
www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore...
The Future Of Medicaid And The Imperative Of Organized Power | Health Affairs Forefront
Though Medicaid saves lives and provides access to health care for millions of people, it has been constrained by the top-down power relations that structure it.
www.healthaffairs.org
July 31, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Medicaid turned 60 this week! My piece in Health Affairs Forefront argues that its future "hinges on who has the power to direct its course." Building & organizing power among Medicaid beneficiaries is the path towards transformative change. Read more here 👇🏾
www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore...
www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore...
Me & @joanalker1.bsky.social on @npr.org's "It's Been a Minute" talking about the erroneous stereotypes that drive Medicaid cuts & the fundamental connections between all of us. When we harm those whom government deems "underserving," we ultimately harm everyone.
www.npr.org/2025/07/04/1...
www.npr.org/2025/07/04/1...
Think the Medicaid cuts don't affect you? Think again. : It's Been a Minute
Republicans have passed President Trump's One Big, Beautiful bill, but is it built on bad faith stereotypes? The legislation guts funding for Medicaid, and for a long time Republicans have been attack...
www.npr.org
July 4, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Me & @joanalker1.bsky.social on @npr.org's "It's Been a Minute" talking about the erroneous stereotypes that drive Medicaid cuts & the fundamental connections between all of us. When we harm those whom government deems "underserving," we ultimately harm everyone.
www.npr.org/2025/07/04/1...
www.npr.org/2025/07/04/1...
July 4th has never resonated. Too many people remained unfree after the U.S. declared independence & too many would be made unfree as a result of that declaration. Today, as so many devastatingly harmful policies unfold, charting a course towards freedom is unfinished work that depends on us.
July 4, 2025 at 2:18 PM
July 4th has never resonated. Too many people remained unfree after the U.S. declared independence & too many would be made unfree as a result of that declaration. Today, as so many devastatingly harmful policies unfold, charting a course towards freedom is unfinished work that depends on us.
*Update: Deep thanks to those who shared links, contacts, & encouragement. My brother helped find this family temporary housing. The road ahead for them will be hard. For low-income people, being evicted in NYC means navigating a confusing maze of programs that too often demoralize & discourage.
I don’t normally do this but I am posting w/an ask today. Please read the thread 🧵
My brother took in the family from the apartment across the hall from him last night. They were evicted w/ their 4-month-old. My brother, who has few resources of his own, could not bear to see them on the street.
My brother took in the family from the apartment across the hall from him last night. They were evicted w/ their 4-month-old. My brother, who has few resources of his own, could not bear to see them on the street.
July 4, 2025 at 1:25 PM
*Update: Deep thanks to those who shared links, contacts, & encouragement. My brother helped find this family temporary housing. The road ahead for them will be hard. For low-income people, being evicted in NYC means navigating a confusing maze of programs that too often demoralize & discourage.
I don’t normally do this but I am posting w/an ask today. Please read the thread 🧵
My brother took in the family from the apartment across the hall from him last night. They were evicted w/ their 4-month-old. My brother, who has few resources of his own, could not bear to see them on the street.
My brother took in the family from the apartment across the hall from him last night. They were evicted w/ their 4-month-old. My brother, who has few resources of his own, could not bear to see them on the street.
July 3, 2025 at 1:37 PM
I don’t normally do this but I am posting w/an ask today. Please read the thread 🧵
My brother took in the family from the apartment across the hall from him last night. They were evicted w/ their 4-month-old. My brother, who has few resources of his own, could not bear to see them on the street.
My brother took in the family from the apartment across the hall from him last night. They were evicted w/ their 4-month-old. My brother, who has few resources of his own, could not bear to see them on the street.
Reposted by Jamila Michener
Sadly, must share this again today: Most. People. Don’t. Want. Medicaid. Cuts. And as @povertyscholar.bsky.social and I argue, there could (should) be political repercussions for this undemocratic act.
In a new Milbank Quarterly guest Opinion, @povertyscholar.bsky.social &
@sarahgollust.bsky.social share public attitudes toward Congress’s proposed Medicaid funding cuts reported in their April 2025 survey.
@sarahgollust.bsky.social share public attitudes toward Congress’s proposed Medicaid funding cuts reported in their April 2025 survey.
Medicaid Cuts Are Undemocratic and Not What the American People Want | Milbank Memorial Fund
Americans from across the political spectrum oppose cuts to Medicaid, believe that the program is effective, and are willing to take steps to defend Medicaid.
www.milbank.org
July 2, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Sadly, must share this again today: Most. People. Don’t. Want. Medicaid. Cuts. And as @povertyscholar.bsky.social and I argue, there could (should) be political repercussions for this undemocratic act.
During a bleak time (w/massive Medicaid cuts looming), I'm inspired by ordinary people organizing to fight displacement & harm. As @mperezbrower.bsky.social so powerfully writes, democracy hinges on efforts to "transform how power operates in our community."
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/in-r...
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/in-r...
In Renton, we’re holding officials accountable and upholding democracy | Op-Ed
Renton residents aren’t just trying to stop an expansion plan. We are trying to transform how power operates in our community.
www.seattletimes.com
June 30, 2025 at 6:58 PM
During a bleak time (w/massive Medicaid cuts looming), I'm inspired by ordinary people organizing to fight displacement & harm. As @mperezbrower.bsky.social so powerfully writes, democracy hinges on efforts to "transform how power operates in our community."
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/in-r...
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/in-r...
Though some elected officials are no longer even pretending to represent the preferences of their constituents, it remains important to underscore the gaping chasm between what people want (RE: Medicaid) & what is actually happening. Read our piece for more on this democratic disconnect👇🏾
Jamila Michener (@povertyscholar.bsky.social) and Sarah Gollust's (@sarahgollust.bsky.social) new opinion piece in Milbank argues that the Medicaid cuts being debated by Congress are undemocratic. Across the political spectrum, Americans support Medicaid—and they would act to protect the program.
In a new Milbank Quarterly guest Opinion, @povertyscholar.bsky.social &
@sarahgollust.bsky.social share public attitudes toward Congress’s proposed Medicaid funding cuts reported in their April 2025 survey.
@sarahgollust.bsky.social share public attitudes toward Congress’s proposed Medicaid funding cuts reported in their April 2025 survey.
June 17, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Though some elected officials are no longer even pretending to represent the preferences of their constituents, it remains important to underscore the gaping chasm between what people want (RE: Medicaid) & what is actually happening. Read our piece for more on this democratic disconnect👇🏾
Looking forward to this discussion today. Join us.
Today at 3pm! Join @povertyscholar.bsky.social (Cornell), Andrea Campbell (MIT), David Adler (RWJF) and me for a webinar on Medicaid's past, present and future at a critical moment in the program's trajectory. Event reg below. 1/2 @rwjf.bsky.social @watsoninstitute.bsky.social @jhppl.bsky.social
It is a hard, but important time to be thinking and talking collectively about Medicaid. Join us next week (June 12th) for a historically grounded, future facing discussion.
June 12, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Looking forward to this discussion today. Join us.
It is a hard, but important time to be thinking and talking collectively about Medicaid. Join us next week (June 12th) for a historically grounded, future facing discussion.
#Medicaid covers about one in five people nationwide. Join @RWJF and @JHPPL on June 12 @ 3 p.m. ET as we discuss the program’s legacy and future. Speakers include @povertyscholar.bsky.social Andrea Campbell, David Adler and me. Register: bit.ly/4dsIsXR
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Medicaid at 60: Examining the Program's Past, Present, and Future. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicaid into law on July 30, 1965. Sixty years later, the program covers about one in five people in the United States. Medicaid’s 60th anniversary is an opportunit...
bit.ly
June 3, 2025 at 4:33 PM
It is a hard, but important time to be thinking and talking collectively about Medicaid. Join us next week (June 12th) for a historically grounded, future facing discussion.
I am under no illusion that the elected officials pushing Medicaid cuts care about the facts. But it is still important to state them clearly, publicly, and incessantly: “Work requirements are simply Medicaid cuts by another name. They serve little other purpose."
www.newsweek.com/medicaid-wor...
www.newsweek.com/medicaid-wor...
New Medicaid work requirements "impossible" for people to navigate
Millions of Americans could lose Medicaid coverage because of cutbacks, but experts warn of the legislation's complexity.
www.newsweek.com
May 22, 2025 at 9:03 PM
I am under no illusion that the elected officials pushing Medicaid cuts care about the facts. But it is still important to state them clearly, publicly, and incessantly: “Work requirements are simply Medicaid cuts by another name. They serve little other purpose."
www.newsweek.com/medicaid-wor...
www.newsweek.com/medicaid-wor...
I enjoyed this discussion today. I learned a lot from my fellow panelists (even those I disagreed with). And as moderator, @jerusalem.bsky.social wasn’t afraid to challenge us with tough questions. I find that approach super generative.
The next thing to think about is: What are the policies and practices that strengthen democracy and the economy?
Panelists @timbartik.bsky.social, @adamdean.bsky.social, @cmehta3.bsky.social, @povertyscholar.bsky.social and moderator @jerusalem.bsky.social explore potential solutions.
#EssaySeries
Panelists @timbartik.bsky.social, @adamdean.bsky.social, @cmehta3.bsky.social, @povertyscholar.bsky.social and moderator @jerusalem.bsky.social explore potential solutions.
#EssaySeries
May 13, 2025 at 11:50 PM
I enjoyed this discussion today. I learned a lot from my fellow panelists (even those I disagreed with). And as moderator, @jerusalem.bsky.social wasn’t afraid to challenge us with tough questions. I find that approach super generative.
We cannot harm those deemed “undeserving” without also harming many who are supposedly “deserving.” These false dichotomies serve only the most wealthy/elite. MLK was on point when he said that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We ignore that wisdom to our own peril.
My daughter’s speech therapist went out of business because Medicaid reimbursement rates were too low. We do not have Medicaid. I’m going to keep posting this until people understand that when Medicaid gets cut *everyone* loses services.
May 13, 2025 at 10:23 AM
We cannot harm those deemed “undeserving” without also harming many who are supposedly “deserving.” These false dichotomies serve only the most wealthy/elite. MLK was on point when he said that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We ignore that wisdom to our own peril.
I'm glad to be part of this team of scholars. I'm not an experimentalist, but by working closely with colleagues who use experiments as a primary research tool, I've been able to explore one of the core preoccupations of my own research agenda (centering the marginalized) in new and novel ways.
2/6. In a set of experiments just published in Social Science & Medicine, we found that Asian, Black, and Hispanic Americans were consistently more willing to engage in individual and collective efforts to address health disparities than their White counterparts. news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
Those most willing to address health disparities tend to be overlooked | Cornell Chronicle
Cornell researchers found that by prioritizing the perspectives of white Americans instead of those from underrepresented groups, studies of pandemic disparities likely missed important insights from ...
news.cornell.edu
May 6, 2025 at 11:24 AM
I'm glad to be part of this team of scholars. I'm not an experimentalist, but by working closely with colleagues who use experiments as a primary research tool, I've been able to explore one of the core preoccupations of my own research agenda (centering the marginalized) in new and novel ways.
I learned about civil legal inequality 20+ years ago, when I did an internship at a legal services org serving low-income people in the community I grew up in. That internship didn't make me want to be a lawyer, but it made me ask the questions at the root of some of my current research (1/n).
a woman with a braided hair says always ask the questions
Alt: A woman with braided hair says always ask the questions
media.tenor.com
April 29, 2025 at 12:38 PM
I learned about civil legal inequality 20+ years ago, when I did an internship at a legal services org serving low-income people in the community I grew up in. That internship didn't make me want to be a lawyer, but it made me ask the questions at the root of some of my current research (1/n).
Reposted by Jamila Michener
How do life changes shape political behavior? Authors Ojeda, @povertyscholar.bsky.social, and Haselswerdt explore this question in the article, “The Politics of Personal Crisis: How Life Disruptions Shape Political Participation”. Read more at the open access link: link.springer.com/article/10.1...
The Politics of Personal Crisis: How Life Disruptions Shape Political Participation - Political Behavior
Economic risk and instability are urgent and central facts in the lives of increasing numbers of Americans. Though experienced as “personal,” the causes of life disruptions like unemployment, eviction...
link.springer.com
April 23, 2025 at 9:34 PM
How do life changes shape political behavior? Authors Ojeda, @povertyscholar.bsky.social, and Haselswerdt explore this question in the article, “The Politics of Personal Crisis: How Life Disruptions Shape Political Participation”. Read more at the open access link: link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Instead of weaponizing efficiency to bludgeon government, let's cultivate more responsive, effective government. My new white paper @responsivegov.bsky.social argues for governance rooted in "the robust & systematic centering of the voices of the denizens who most rely on public social programs."
NEW: The latest white paper from Responsive Gov Fellow Jamila Michener makes the case for government agencies to more meaningfully engage with the people they serve – so they can build more efficient and effective programs.
Constituent Voice: A Key Tool for More Effective Administration of Government Programs - Institute for Responsive Government
responsivegov.org
April 1, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Instead of weaponizing efficiency to bludgeon government, let's cultivate more responsive, effective government. My new white paper @responsivegov.bsky.social argues for governance rooted in "the robust & systematic centering of the voices of the denizens who most rely on public social programs."
Courage and conviction are a choice. Not the easiest choice, not the path of least resistance, not the safest route to go, but a choice nonetheless. Dean Jackson of the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design is showing us what this looks like and I love to see it 💯
mailchi.mp/04bd06b0c03c...
mailchi.mp/04bd06b0c03c...
March 30, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Courage and conviction are a choice. Not the easiest choice, not the path of least resistance, not the safest route to go, but a choice nonetheless. Dean Jackson of the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design is showing us what this looks like and I love to see it 💯
mailchi.mp/04bd06b0c03c...
mailchi.mp/04bd06b0c03c...
Reposted by Jamila Michener
How can we rebuild our political economy to uplift the health and wellbeing of all Americans?
Join us on April 1 at The New School to explore the health investments and policies, power-building strategies, and narratives we need to see real change.
RSVP: event.newschool.edu/fromparadigm...
Join us on April 1 at The New School to explore the health investments and policies, power-building strategies, and narratives we need to see real change.
RSVP: event.newschool.edu/fromparadigm...
March 19, 2025 at 6:55 PM
How can we rebuild our political economy to uplift the health and wellbeing of all Americans?
Join us on April 1 at The New School to explore the health investments and policies, power-building strategies, and narratives we need to see real change.
RSVP: event.newschool.edu/fromparadigm...
Join us on April 1 at The New School to explore the health investments and policies, power-building strategies, and narratives we need to see real change.
RSVP: event.newschool.edu/fromparadigm...