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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)

Monday, May 6, 2024

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 …

Ben Grauer y su prometida, Danica Bird, con su perro Clark, planean casarse este oto�o. HF 2589 aumentar�a los l�mites de ingresos permitidos y activos generales para las personas con discapacidades y al mismo tiempo les permitir�a conservar los beneficios de Medicaid. (Ben Grauer)

Defensores de discapacitados en Iowa presionan por aumentar límites de ingresos

Se está pidiendo a los legisladores de Iowa que introduzcan cambios en las leyes de ingresos para las personas con discapacidades. Sus …

Iowa lawmakers are considering legislation that would raise income and asset limits for people with disabilities who still need to qualify for Medicaid benefits. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates for Iowans with disabilities push for higher income limits

Iowa lawmakers are being asked to make changes to the income laws for people with disabilities. Disabilities advocates are hold an event at the …

In its annual reports, the Annie E. Casey Foundation notes indicators of child well-being are derived from federal government statistical agencies and reflect the best available state and national data for tracking yearly changes. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Ranks High in Healthy Kids Report, but Advocates Seek Improvement

Compared to other states, Iowa ranks sixth nationally in overall child well-being, according to the 2023 Kids Count Data Book, released today by the …

In 2020, 52% of U.S. homeowners who renovated their home were from the Baby Boomer generation, according to Statista. (Adobe Stock)

USDA Makes Loans, Grants Available for Low-Income Iowans' Home Repair

AARP Iowa is working to raise awareness of loans and grants the U.S. Department of Agriculture is making available to very low-income seniors for …

In January 2019, the United States had a shortage of 7 million affordable homes for low-income renters, resulting in only 37 affordable rental homes for every 100 low-income renter households, according to the Center for American Progress. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates in Iowa Work to Make More Housing Available

Advocates are working to make 42,000 new homes available to Iowans by 2030, which is spearheading efforts to create more affordable living …

Members of the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council gather at the Iowa Statehouse in Des Moines in support of House File 264. (Brooke Lovelace/IDDC)

Lawmakers Propose Eliminating Taxes for IA Disability Care Providers

Iowa lawmakers have advanced legislation that would eliminate the income tax for health-care workers who support people with disabilities. Advocates …

Iowans Mark Affordable Health-Care Anniversary

Iowans are marking the 13th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. Thanks to the health-care plan, Iowans have saved thousands of dollars in …

In 2021, the total cost of the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was around $113 billion. The significant increase from the previous year's total of $79 billion was in large part the result of extra pandemic-related benefits. (Adobe Stock)

IA Lawmakers Propose Severe Restrictions for Food Assistance

A Republican-backed bill in the Iowa Legislature seeks to put strict new limits on which foods people could buy at the grocery store using public-assi…

More than 10 million households headed by someone over 65 spend <a href=

more than one-third of their income on housing. Half of these pay more than 50%, according to a Harvard University study. (Adobe Stock).">

More Affordable Housing for Seniors: An AARP Iowa Priority

As housing prices continue to rise, AARP Iowa is asking cities and towns to change their rules to allow more livable space on a home site. The group …

When it comes to health coverage, 36% of Iowa children are enrolled in public assistance programs. (Adobe Stock)

Report: BBB a Win For Kids' Health Coverage

DES MOINES, Iowa -- As Congress continues to debate the Build Back Better Act, a new report shows how it would address health coverage and access …

During the Great Recession, 50 million Americans experienced food insecurity, compared with an estimated 38 million during last year's economic fallout from COVID-19. (Adobe Stock)

Single Moms, Families of Color Most Affected by Hunger in 2020

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The rate of people experiencing hunger in Iowa and across the U.S. was steady during 2020, according to initial data from the U.S…

A new report says during the pandemic, Iowa's Black, Latino and multiracial households with children were three times as likely as white households to worry about making their next rent or mortgage payment. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Ranking, Pandemic Clouds IA's Child Well-being Outlook

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa gets some high marks in the latest 50-state report on children's wellbeing, but the annual findings show the pandemic is …

A new survey says the number of Iowans struggling to cover one month of expenses has increased by 1% since the pandemic began. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: COVID Payments Will Help Many Iowans

DES MOINES, Iowa -- More than half of Iowans surveyed say new federal stimulus payments will provide immediate financial help. The Treasury …

According to a new national report, one-third of Americans face the likelihood of having to leave their current home as a result of economic fallout from the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

New Report Confirms IA Families Hurting During Crisis

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The crushing weight of the pandemic and economic crisis is showing its effect on Iowa families, according to a new national …

In 2019, Iowa's Help Us Stop Hunger program saw 3,750 deer donated to food banks, generating nearly 630,000 meals to Iowa families dealing with food scarcity. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Hunters Help Fight Rising Tide of Hunger

DES MOINES -- Iowa is seeing more first-time visitors to food banks during the economic fallout from the pandemic, so an annual food drive involving …

An annual child well-being report says among the concerns for Iowa is that 35% of kids ages 10 to 17 are considered overweight or obese, which is above the national average. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Slips in Rankings for Children's Well-Being

DES MOINES, Iowa - An annual report that ranks each state for indicators of child well-being says Iowa has fallen behind in some areas. The 2020 …

As the country slides deeper into a recession because of the coronavirus pandemic, more individuals may avoid hospitals or other emergency care due to lack of health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Economic Fallout Expected to Strip Millions of Health Coverage

DES MOINES, Iowa -- A new report finds 43 million Americans could lose their employer-sponsored health coverage under worst-case-scenario …

A bill in the Iowa Legislature would require landlords to disclose monthly utility costs before renting out a unit, but unlike similar laws, would not require that they make energy-saving upgrades. (Adobe Stock)

Some IA Lawmakers Want Renters to Know More About Utility Costs

DES MOINES, Iowa - Landlords of larger apartment complexes in Iowa would have to disclose monthly utility costs to potential renters, in a bill now …

Research shows that children who have health insurance coverage see long-term benefits, including being more likely to complete high school and graduate from college. (palichka/Pixabay)

Rate of Iowa Kids Lacking Health Insurance Inches Up

DES MOINES, Iowa – The number of Iowa children without health care insurance is slowing inching up – a red flag, according to children's …

Iowa was one of 28 states that have decreased its share of children living in concentrated poverty, according to a new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (ArmyAmber/Pixabay)

Iowa Reduces Number of Children Living in Poverty

DES MOINES, Iowa – In Iowa, 3% of children from birth to age 17 live in high-poverty and low-opportunity neighborhoods, according to a new data …

Only 1-in-10 U.S. adults gets enough fruits or vegetables, with men, young adults and people living in poverty consuming the least.(localharvest.org)

Incentivizing a Healthy Diet for Iowa's Low-Income Residents

DES MOINES, Iowa — A new study shows incentive programs such as Iowa's "Double Up Food Bucks" boost healthy eating among low-income residents …

The high cost of health care is believed to be one reason the rate of U.S. residents age 65 and older filing for bankruptcy increased more than 200% from 1991 to 2016. (aarp.org)

"Stop Rx Greed" Campaign Stops in Des Moines

DES MOINES, Iowa — Americans pay the highest prescription drug prices in the world, according to AARP, which says it's time for Americans to …

To improve the well-being of kids, Iowa should boost the percentage of young children attending preschool, according to a new report. (iowaccrr.org)

Iowa Ranks 3rd in Nation for Child Well-Being

DES MOINES, Iowa – An annual report measuring the well-being of children ranks Iowa third among all 50 states based on indicators in four areas…

The Sioux City School District has added a second bus to its mobile food fleet to ensure more children have access to the annual summer meal program. (siouxcityschools.org)

Caring for Kids through Iowa's Summer Food Program

DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa expects to serve more than 1 million meals and snacks to 25,000 kids who are home from school for summer vacation…

In Iowa, more than 360,000 people struggle with hunger, according to the group Feeding America. (fairfoodnetwork.org)

Farm Bill Rescues SNAP, But Hunger Remains

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Farm Bill passed by Congress last week did not include major cuts to SNAP, formerly known as food stamps. But hunger-…

The rate of Iowa's uninsured low-income residents dropped 12 percent from 2009 through 2016, but people living in small towns and rural areas still face more challenges than those living in metropolitan areas. (votingresearch.org)

Iowa's Medicaid Expansion Benefits Small Town, Rural Residents

DES MOINES, Iowa – Since Iowa expanded its Medicaid program in 2013, more low-income rural residents are covered by health insurance. A new …

Alexis Ostlund, a homeless woman, was chased off by Des Moines police for panhandling outside a local coffee shop. (aclu-Iowa)

ACLU Calls City Panhandling Ordinances in Iowa Unconstitutional

DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa is among 12 states targeted for its panhandling ordinances by the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty and …

SNAP and other food assistance encompass 70 percent of the USDA budget.(Paul Sabelman/Flickr)

Help for Hungry Iowans at Risk in Farm Bill

DES MOINES, Iowa – Congress is expected to begin work soon on the $140 billion farm bill, but there are concerns that some conservatives are …

CHIP and Medicaid cover newborns, foster youth and children with disabilities. (yc0407206360/Pixabay)

CHIP Funding Remains in Doubt Despite House Vote

DES MOINES, Iowa – The House on Friday approved a bill to refinance the Children's Health Insurance Program, but the funding still is in doubt…

African-American children face some of the greatest barriers to success, especially in the South and Midwest, according to the annual

Report: Barriers to Success Still Pervasive for Minority Children in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa – The civil-rights era ended fifty years ago but an annual report indicates that significant barriers still exist for children …

Chilly temperatures will descend on Iowa before you know it, and plans are in place to help eligible lower-income families pay their utility bills. (jmagliocco/Pixabay)

Low Income Iowans' Winter Heat Help Safe for Now

DES MOINES, Iowa – A utility-assistance program that President Donald Trump targeted for elimination in his proposed budget appears to be safe …

Nearly 400 summer meal sites throughout Iowa provide nutrition for low-income kids. (Bruce Tuten/Flickr)

Iowa Reaches More Hungry Kids During the Summer

DES MOINES, Iowa – Hunger prevents some Iowa kids from enjoying the carefree days of summer, but the state is making progress to make food …

Advocates say Iowa puts a premium on investing in families and children. (Pixabay)

Report Ranks Iowa as a Top State for Children

DES MOINES, Iowa – A report released Tuesday shows Iowa is doing a nice job in ensuring its kids get the best start in life. The Annie E…

The number of children on Medicaid living in rural communities in Iowa increased by six percentage points since 2009.(Pixabay)

Report Shows Rural Iowa Kids Depend on Medicaid

DES MOINES, Iowa – The importance of Medicaid in small towns and rural parts of Iowa cannot be overstated, according to a new report from the …

Some analysits say the Trump administration's budget blueprint would hurt some voters who helped put Donald Trump in office. (Pixabay)

Trump's Cuts Would Impact Poor Rural, Urban Iowans

DES MOINES, Iowa – Folks in Iowa and around the country are still digesting President Donald Trump's proposed budget with some calling it a …

Millions of Americans struggling with mental-health concerns gained access to services because of provisions in the Affordable Care Act. (Pixabay)

Mental-Health Services Could Disappear with ACA Repeal

DES MOINES, Iowa – Plans to revamp the Affordable Care Act were among President Trump's talking points during last night's address before a …

Just over 3,000 homeless people were counted during the 2016 Point-in-Time Count in Iowa. (Pixabay)

Iowa Homeless Count Gets Underway Tonight

DES MOINES, Iowa – Volunteers in communities across Iowa will undertake the daunting task Wednesday of counting the number of people they can …

New research shows if current trends continue, Iowa women will not see equal pay compared to men in similar jobs until 2056. (Pixabay)

Research Finds Economic Inequities Holding Iowa Women Back

DES MOINES, Iowa – Despite advances in recent years, new research finds Iowa women still face inequities that can prevent them from reaching …

A new study finds that 230,000 Iowans could lose health insurance under a partial repeal of the Affordable Care Act. (Eric Lewis/Flickr)<br /><br />

Report: Quashing ACA Undermines Progress in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa – Congress is considering repealing parts of the Affordable Care Act, and a new report suggests that would double the number …

States pay on average about $90,000 a year for every youth in a juvenile facility. (Michael Coghlan/Flickr)

Report: Youth Should Not Be Behind Bars

DES MOINES, Iowa – Children should not be kept behind bars, according to a new report that examines the ineffectiveness of youth prisons in …

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is taking public comments on new stricter rules for payday lending. (Pixabay)

Proposed Rules Aim to Close Payday Lending Debt Trap

DES MOINES, Iowa – Opponents of payday and car title lending say the practices lead to financial abuse of consumers, and a new report supports …

Social-service groups say evicting people from Des Moines' homeless camps simply moves the problem instead of solving it. (tom stovall/Flickr)

Fight for the Homeless Ramps up in Des Moines

DES MOINES, Iowa — A fight for the homeless is ramping up in Des Moines. Eviction notices with a deadline of August 29th went up at several …

Child poverty rates have not improved much since the Great Recession, an issue so far unaddressed by Presidential candidates. (Pixabay)

Experts: Unimproved Child Poverty Rates Ignored by Presidential Candidates

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The percentage of children living in poverty has not improved much since the Great Recession. In Iowa, the poverty rate for …

Talented young writers from across the globe converge this weekend for the Iowa Young Writers' Workshop. (IowaYoungWritersStudio.org)

Diverse Young Writers Converge in Iowa for Famous Summer Workshops

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Writers from all over the U.S. and the world converge at the University of Iowa this weekend for the annual Iowa Young Writers' …

Starting this week, many vendors at Iowa farmers markets will accept vouchers from seniors and low-income families. (IAFarmersMarkets.org)

Farmers Markets Increase Food Options for Low-Income Iowans

DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa farmers markets are in full swing starting this week at almost 200 locations across the state. Beginning tomorrow, vouchers …

Nearly 180,000 kids in Iowa don't get the free summer meals that are being provided in many communities. (USDA.gov)

Free Summer Meals Reach Just 10 Percent of Needy Iowa Kids

DES MOINES, Iowa - Close to 90 percent of the Iowa children who are eligible for free meals during their summer break aren't getting them. …

Almost two-thirds of families with a parent in prison, such as the Anamosa State Penitentiary, can't pay for necessities for their kids. (Klepper66/Wikimedia Commons)

Report: Kids Need Support when Parents are Behind Bars

DES MOINES, Iowa - Eight percent of kids in Iowa, that's 58,000, have a parent behind bars, a number that has risen significantly in the last few …

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IA: Poverty Issues