State Network

Milbank State Leadership Network

Content Type:

  • Blog Post

    Opportunities for Rural Transformation: Regional Public Colleges and Universities

    September 2025 Michael Meit Nicholas E. Hagemeier Andrew Koricich

    As state policymakers apply for the OBBBA’s Rural Health Transformation funding, they have a significant opportunity to partner with their RPCUs to address the research, and especially, the workforce training needs of their rural communities. More

  • Can Civility Survive? Lessons from Legislators on the Firestorms of Politics

    Blog Post

    Can Civility Survive? Lessons from Legislators on the Firestorms of Politics

    September 2025 Morgan McDonald

    The National Conference of State Legislators Summit’s opening sessions, which featured former Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford and a tribute to slain Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, zeroed in on the need for depolarization in state houses and beyond. More

  • Publication

    State Strategies to Address Rising Prescription Drug Costs: Virtual Convening of Milbank State Leadership Network 

    August 2025 Mary Louise Gilburg Morgan McDonald

    Event Date: July 22, 2025 The Milbank State Leadership Network hosted a virtual session for state legislators and legislative staff to discuss… More

  • State Health Policy Leadership: Navigating Rough Seas  

    Blog Post

    State Health Policy Leadership: Navigating Rough Seas  

    August 2025 Christopher F. Koller

    An eager ensign inquired why his naval captain asked for his red shirt every time he went in battle.  “Ah,” the captain said. “That is… More

  • State Strategies for Engaging Community Health Workers Amid Federal Policy Shifts

    Blog Post

    State Strategies for Engaging Community Health Workers Amid Federal Policy Shifts

    August 2025 Annie Cloke Janée Tyus

    Health insurance coverage for 1 in 5 Americans is at risk as states respond to changes included in HR1/OBBB. These changes follow significant cuts to federal public health funding. Because state Medicaid agencies will have to do more with less, they will need to focus on policies and cost-effective programs with demonstrated results — and may want to consider investing in community health worker (CHW) programs. More

  • Why the US Needs a Racially and Ethnically Diverse Health Care Workforce 

    News Article

    Why the US Needs a Racially and Ethnically Diverse Health Care Workforce 

    August 2025 Joanne Kenan

    How can policymakers and institutions of higher learning comply with the law — and acknowledge the political climate — and still develop the high quality, excellent, and diverse health workforces that the country needs? More

  • Blog Post

    Efforts to Dismantle DEI Discount Our Values 

    July 2025 Zakiya Summers

    A Mississippi state legislator on why a new state law to dismantle DEI in education will silence students, bully educators, and restrict progress. More

  • Hard-Won Gains Against Sexually Transmitted Infections Could Slip Away 

    Blog Post

    Hard-Won Gains Against Sexually Transmitted Infections Could Slip Away 

    July 2025 Shannon Dowler

    People of every gender, race, age, and ethnicity are affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Currently, the United States is experiencing the largest epidemic of congenital syphilis since the 1990s, with thousands of babies being born with the potential for lifelong disabilities and death each year. On the other end of the life spectrum, the 60-plus crowd is moving into retirement communities with the most rapidly rising rates of STIs of any age group.   More

  • Blog Post

    Protecting and Promoting Public Service: Rejecting the Violence of Divisiveness 

    July 2025 Christopher F. Koller Morgan McDonald

    Liz Reyer ran for state representative in Minnesota to change things for the better, not to fear for her life or those of her family members. But the murder of her fellow representative and party leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the shooting of her cross-chamber colleague Sen. John Hofmann and his wife, on June 15 has brought the unthinkable to the realm of the possible.   More

  • Publication

    State Approaches to Addressing Hospital Costs: Virtual Convening of Milbank State Leadership Network Recap

    June 2025 Mary Louise Gilburg Morgan McDonald

    The Milbank State Leadership Network hosted a virtual session for state legislators and legislative staff to discuss factors contributing to rising health care costs as well as opportunities for states to slow spending growth and make health care more affordable, with a particular focus on hospital costs. The briefing was hosted in partnership with Bailit Health, the technical assistance provider for the Peterson-Milbank Program for Sustainable Healthcare Costs. More