Poverty Issues / Public News Service

Emerson Elementary is one of Albuquerque's public schools where crossing guards keep kids safe. (City of Albuquerque)

Monday, May 20, 2024

ABQ school crossing guards host 'Seats and Feets' clothing drive

Crossing guards see a lot of kids who could use some new duds. But for the second year, the "Seats and Feets" Albuquerque clothing drive is …

Several house Republicans including New York's Mike Lawler signed a letter opposing CFPB's rule aimed at banning excessive credit card late fees. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 20, 2024

CFPB late fee rule could save NYers money

New Yorkers could benefit from a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule. It caps credit card late fees at $8, or - at the credit card …

The newest data for Arkansas Food Bank's 33-county service area highlights disparities and reveals the need for community action. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 20, 2024

Food insecurity continues to rise in Arkansas

The Arkansas Food Bank said it's prepared for an increase in food demand as we go into the summer months. The latest "Map the Meal Gap" report from …

Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap study is the only one providing local-level estimates of food insecurity and costs for every county and congressional district. (disha1980/Adobe Stock)

Report: Texas tops nation in food insecurity

Texas leads the nation in food insecurity. According to the latest "Map the Meal Gap" study, from Feeding America, nearly 5 million people in the …

Each week during the school year, more than 8,300 children receive a backpack of meals for the weekend through Food Bank for the Heartland's BackPack Program. (Photo courtesy of Food Bank for the Heartland)

Largest NE food bank challenged by rising food insecurity, costs

A new report shows food insecurity in Nebraska increased in 2022 over the year before. Feeding America's latest "Map the Meal Gap" survey showed the …

A recent Federal Trade Commission report found major grocers nationwide are overcharging customers for groceries. Retailers' revenues were 6% higher than their total costs in 2021, and then jumped to 7%, despite an easing of pandemic-related supply-chain disruptions. (Adobe Stock)

MA household debt grows as grocery prices remain at post-pandemic highs

Massachusetts residents struggling to pay high food prices are acquiring a growing amount of debt to pay their bills, according to a new report…

A previous Bloomberg grant laid the groundwork for significant initiatives, such as the city's solar array and passage of the Issue 7 transportation levy. (jonbilous/Adobe Stock)

Empowering Cincinnati: Bloomberg grant fuels climate and equity initiatives

Cincinnati is part of Bloomberg Philanthropies' $200 million Sustainable Cities initiative and will hire three new staff members to merge climate solu…

Recent statewide figures look promising, but homelessness in South Dakota has risen more than 120% since 2007, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Adobe Stock)

Sioux Falls programs address rising homeless population

Homelessness in South Dakota may be down overall, but the state's urban areas are an exception. New programs in Sioux Falls aim to address it…

Corporate grocery chains raised prices well above what was necessary during the pandemic, and continue to do so today, according to a report by the Federal Trade Commission. (Adobe Stock)

FTC says corporate grocers gouge Montana shoppers

The latest report from the Federal Trade Commission says despite an easing of pandemic related supply chains and economic stressors, major grocers …

Iowa women call Social Security 'critical'

New research released by AARP Iowa shows how important Social Security benefits are to people who receive them - and the numbers reveal women are far …

Organizations tracking guaranteed income programs say there have been roughly 30 pilot initiatives tested across the country within the past few years. (Adobe Stock)

Checking pulse of guaranteed income programs

Wisconsin is among the states where guaranteed-income programs have been tested. A new report says, despite controversy, similar efforts are useful …

In December 2023, more than 4 million fewer children were enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program nationwide than the month before each state began the process of renewing eligibility after continuous coverage protections were lifted. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NV sees small decline in Medicaid, CHIP enrollment

The Medicaid and Nevada Check Up programs had more than 13,000 fewer children enrolled last year than during the pandemic, according to new research …

Research shows children in families of color, particularly Black and Latino families, have been more likely to experience gaps in health coverage. (Adobe Stock)

More than 300,000 Georgia kids lose health coverage post-COVID

More than 300,000 children have been dropped from Medicaid and Peach Care for kids since the pandemic ended. A report from the Georgetown University …

The Denver Post reports the total number of Coloradans with Medicaid health insurance has dropped by 30% since 2023, just below Texas and Utah. (Adobe Stock)

Report: 86,101 Colorado children removed from Medicaid insurance rolls

More than 4 million children in the U.S. lost their health insurance after automatic Medicaid coverage renewals enacted during the COVID public …

Arkansas is among eight states disenrolling so many children in 2023 that fewer were enrolled at year's end than before the pandemic in early 2020. (Nina Lawrenson/Adobe Stock)

Report: AR among top states for children losing health coverage post-COVID

A new report showed the number of children covered by Medicaid varies widely between states as pandemic-era protections were lifted, with Arkansas …

Children need regular well-child and dental visits to track their development and find health problems early, when they're usually easier to treat, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ohio among top states for number of kids kicked off Medicaid, CHIP

More than 120,000 Ohio kids have been disenrolled from Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program or CHIP, and most were removed for …

As of last December, 4.16 million fewer children were enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program nationwide than the month before each state began the process of renewing post-COVID eligibility. (Adobe Stock)

SC scrambles to re-enroll kids dropped off post-COVID Medicaid rolls

More than 65,000 children in South Carolina have lost their health insurance through Medicaid, despite being eligible for coverage, according to a …

Medicaid 'unwinding' leaves thousands of LA children without coverage

More than 56,000 children in Louisiana have lost their health insurance through Medicaid last year, despite being eligible for coverage, according to …

United Way of Connecticut's latest ALICE report found 39% of residents live below the ALICE income threshold necessary to live and work in the state. (Adobe Stock)

CT group helps residents with pandemic’s lingering impacts

Connecticut groups are still addressing the pandemic's aftermath. Along with connecting residents to vital services, United Way of Connecticut is …

In Montana, 6.9% of children do not have health insurance, ranking the state 44th out of 51, according to Georgetown University's study. (Adobe Stock)

MT sees nation's highest percentage of kids losing Medicaid

More than 4 million children nationwide were removed from Medicaid and CHIP health coverage by the end of 2023 as the government reset the programs af…

Well-child visits include vision screenings, but if a primary care provider detects a vision problem CHIP also covers comprehensive eye exams and necessary treatment. (Tyler Olson/Adobe Stock)

Report: AK covers fewer kids with public insurance vs. 2019

A new report shows the number of children covered by Medicaid varied widely between states as pandemic-era protections were lifted, with Alaska …

KY keeps most kids enrolled in Medicaid coverage, post-pandemic

Nationwide, children are losing their Medicaid and CHIP coverage but Kentucky has kept the majority of its youngest residents enrolled, according to …

The Justice40 initiative aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate change, clean energy, clean transportation, affordable housing, water infrastructure, workforce development and pollution remediation to disadvantaged communities. (elnariz/adobe stock)

Federal initiative empowers communities with career creation

A collaboration between the federal government and local communities works to create new career opportunities. The Flint Environmental Career Worker …

Medicaid coverage includes checkups, sick visits, immunizations as well as dental and vision care. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Report: ID covering fewer kids with public insurance vs. 2019

As pandemic era protections were lifted, a new report showed the number of children on Medicaid has varied widely between states, with Idaho seeing a …

Children need regular well-child and dental visits to track their development and find health problems early, when they are usually easier to treat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Procedural reasons driving WV kids' loss in health coverage

More than 62,000 West Virginia kids have been dis-enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program or CHIP and most were removed for p…

Texas, Florida, Georgia and California have seen the largest declines in numbers of children enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP. Together, the four states account for half of the total national decrease in children insured in these programs. (Andrii/Adobe Stock)

More than 1 million TX children disenrolled from Medicaid, CHIP

More than one million children in Texas no longer have health insurance through Medicaid, despite being eligible for coverage, according to a new …

Children of color are disproportionately enrolled in Medicaid, underscoring the unwinding's potential impact on families of color. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Report: More than 59,000 Tennessee kids lose health coverage post-COVID

A new report from Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families says nationwide, 4.16 million fewer children were enrolled in Medicaid and …

Skimming devices placed in grocery and convenience stores can be used to steal EBT card funds from low-income people. (Adobe Stock)

EBT 'skimming' on the rise, more Ohioans turn to food banks

The federal SNAP program allows nearly 1.3 million Ohio families to put food on the table -- but increasingly, when many recipients attempt to use …

Between October 2022 and November 2023, there were 136,295 eviction filings in Virginia, about 466 eviction filings on an average day. (Adobe Stock)

Eviction Defense Center helps VA renters fight eviction

As Virginia evictions rise, one group is helping low-income renters fight back. Before the pandemic, evictions peaked at 16,000 in January 2020…

While immigrants make up 10% of Oregon's population, they make up 13% of the working-age population ages 16-64, and a corresponding 13% of the labor force. (Natalie Kiyah, Oregon Food Bank)

'Food for All Oregonians' aims to extend food benefits to immigrants

Oregon advocates are shining a spotlight on hunger and related issues ahead of the fall elections. A recent report from the Immigrant Research …

In 1975, the average rate of five-year breast cancer survival was 75.2%. In 2005, it was 90.5%. Scientists and doctors credit aggressive research and a better understanding of the disease. (Adobe Stock)

IA women behind on mammograms, despite deadly breast cancer rate

Results of a new study show more American women are falling behind on getting critical breast cancer scans. Nowhere is this perhaps more important …

Enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP reached a record high of nearly 94.5 million in April 2023. The federal government prohibited states from removing people from their rolls during the COVID-19 public health emergency. (Pixabay/192635)

Report: Florida among top states for children losing health coverage post-COVID

After Texas, a new report shows Florida has seen the second-largest decline in the number of children enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health …

Children's advocates are pressing lawmakers to pass Assembly Bill 2956, which would continue pandemic-era flexibilities in Medi-Cal that allow more people to qualify. (Fizkes/Adobestock)

Hundreds of thousands of CA children dropped off Medi-Cal since last year

Medi-Cal has dropped several hundred thousand low-income children from the health insurance rolls since April 2023, according to a new report from …

In addition to claims of price gouging, consumer advocates say corporate consolidation has harmed grocery shoppers. (Adobe Stock)

Federal findings stoke more debate about grocery profits

Wisconsinites don't spend as much on groceries compared with other states. However, consumer groups say shoppers everywhere are still feeling the …

The American Heart Association said pregnancy, pre-eclampsia and chronic stress can increase women's risk for high blood pressure, a leading cause of stroke. (Tetiana/Adobe Stock)

Advocates address disparities for women in Missouri's health care system

Women, and particularly Black women, are disproportionately affected by strokes and other health conditions in Missouri. Keetra Thompson, a stroke …

In 2018, America's top billionaires paid just 23% of their income in taxes, according to Americans for Tax Fairness. (Adobe Stock)

Report: America’s wealthiest now worth a record $5.8 trillion

The nation's billionaires have doubled their wealth over the past seven years, while working people in West Virginia and elsewhere continue to face …

The Center for Responsible Lending has reported 70% of payday loan borrowers take out a new loan the day they pay off another loan and nearly 75% of the revenue earned by payday lenders comes from borrowers who take out 10 or more loans per year.(jetcityimage/adobe stock)

Michigan lawmakers target predatory loan companies

Michigan legislators are tackling predatory lending practices, aiming to set standards for payday loans and maximum interest rates. In Kent County …

The 340B rule empowers select safety-net providers by providing discounts on outpatient prescription drugs and in reaching more eligible patients to provide comprehensive services. (Banana Images/Adobe Stock)

Big Pharma uses red-meat rhetoric in fight over drug costs

Access to reduced-price medication is a necessity for many rural Missourians with low income. Rep. Cindy O'Laughlin, R-Shelbina, the Senate Floor …

In a new AARP survey, roughly a quarter of respondents 50 and older who are not yet retired say they expect to never retire. (Adobe Stock)

Troubling survey results prompt reminders to save for retirement

A new national survey says one in five Americans 50 and older has nothing in savings for retirement. Wisconsin workers young and old are being …

Households in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Francisco counties pay the highest prices for groceries in the state. (Stokkete/Adobe Stock)

Feds: Grocery chain profits soared during and after pandemic

Consumer groups are accusing major grocery retailers - like Amazon, Kroger and Walmart - of price gouging, both during and after the pandemic…

Experts believe increasing access to healthy food is not just about nutrition, it is about addressing disparities and improving overall health outcomes. (ARTFULLY-79/Adobe Stock)

Breaking barriers for health equity with nutritional strategies

Missouri residents are gaining new insights into the powerful role of food in health care as experts and organizations advocate for a shift toward foo…

Some groups see disproportionately high rates of suicide, including veterans, racial and ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ people. (Adobe Stock)

Experts spotlight youth mental health, suicide prevention

Rates of suicide among young people have increased by about 36% in roughly the last two decades and the surge has caught the attention of federal poli…

Families will have 120 days from when they receive their SUN Bucks cards to use the money. (Adobe stock)

New program provides healthy summer meals for IN students

A new program in Indiana will ensure year-round access to nutritious meals for students statewide. The Summer Electronic Transfer program provides a …

Some places with camping bans preventing people from sleeping in public areas include Missouri, Tennessee, Texas, and the cities of San Diego, Calif., and Portland, Oregon. (Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS homelessness case can have ripple effects in CT

The Supreme Court case Grants Pass v. Gloria Johnson could upend homeless populations in Connecticut and nationwide. The case centers around whether …

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, every dollar spent on SNAP generates between $1.50 and $1.80 in local economic activity during a financial downturn. (Irina Mikhailichenko/Adobe Stock)

Advocates rally for 2025 summer EBT funding amid Alabama meal gaps

Alabama is one of 14 states opting out of the 2024 summer electronic benefit program. As summer rolls around, there will be no programs in place to …

Migrants are put on buses from Texas to other states, often without knowing where they are going. (afishman64/Adobe Stock)

Concerns raised about migrant children's mental health

The future of Senate Bill 4 is still tangled in court challenges. It's the Texas law that would allow police to arrest people for illegally crossing …

Maine lawmakers expanded the Dependent Exemption Tax Credit in 2023, allowing an estimated 157,000 dependent adults and children in families with the lowest incomes to receive the full credit for the first time. (Adobe Stock)

ME lawmakers increase aid for families experiencing deep poverty

Gov. Janet Mills has signed legislation to increase temporary assistance payments to families experiencing deep poverty. Payments will increase by 2…

More than 70 million Americans have a criminal record that can create significant barriers to employment, according to the White House. (Adobe Stock)<br />

New KY website offers 'Second Chance' job, recovery resources

A new website aims to help Kentuckians just out of prison re-enter their communities and find job training, employment and recovery services…

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Poverty Issues

ABQ school crossing guards host 'Seats and Feets' clothing drive

CFPB late fee rule could save NYers money

Food insecurity continues to rise in Arkansas

Report: Texas tops nation in food insecurity

Largest NE food bank challenged by rising food insecurity, costs

MA household debt grows as grocery prices remain at post-pandemic highs

Empowering Cincinnati: Bloomberg grant fuels climate and equity initiatives

Sioux Falls programs address rising homeless population

FTC says corporate grocers gouge Montana shoppers

Iowa women call Social Security 'critical'

Checking pulse of guaranteed income programs

Report: NV sees small decline in Medicaid, CHIP enrollment

More than 300,000 Georgia kids lose health coverage post-COVID

Report: 86,101 Colorado children removed from Medicaid insurance rolls

Report: AR among top states for children losing health coverage post-COVID

Ohio among top states for number of kids kicked off Medicaid, CHIP

SC scrambles to re-enroll kids dropped off post-COVID Medicaid rolls

Medicaid 'unwinding' leaves thousands of LA children without coverage

CT group helps residents with pandemic’s lingering impacts

MT sees nation's highest percentage of kids losing Medicaid

Report: AK covers fewer kids with public insurance vs. 2019

KY keeps most kids enrolled in Medicaid coverage, post-pandemic

Federal initiative empowers communities with career creation

Report: ID covering fewer kids with public insurance vs. 2019

Report: Procedural reasons driving WV kids' loss in health coverage

More than 1 million TX children disenrolled from Medicaid, CHIP

Report: More than 59,000 Tennessee kids lose health coverage post-COVID

EBT 'skimming' on the rise, more Ohioans turn to food banks

Eviction Defense Center helps VA renters fight eviction

'Food for All Oregonians' aims to extend food benefits to immigrants

IA women behind on mammograms, despite deadly breast cancer rate

Report: Florida among top states for children losing health coverage post-COVID

Hundreds of thousands of CA children dropped off Medi-Cal since last year

Federal findings stoke more debate about grocery profits

Advocates address disparities for women in Missouri's health care system

Report: America’s wealthiest now worth a record $5.8 trillion

Michigan lawmakers target predatory loan companies

Big Pharma uses red-meat rhetoric in fight over drug costs

Troubling survey results prompt reminders to save for retirement

Feds: Grocery chain profits soared during and after pandemic

Breaking barriers for health equity with nutritional strategies

Experts spotlight youth mental health, suicide prevention

New program provides healthy summer meals for IN students

SCOTUS homelessness case can have ripple effects in CT

Advocates rally for 2025 summer EBT funding amid Alabama meal gaps

Concerns raised about migrant children's mental health

ME lawmakers increase aid for families experiencing deep poverty

New KY website offers 'Second Chance' job, recovery resources