Public News Service

The population in the Tucson metro area increased by 0.7% in 2023, bringing the total population to just over 1 million, according to the University of Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

AZ mayor sees federal investments pay off for Tucson

Regina Romero, mayor of Tucson, was one of many local leaders at the 92nd annual U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting, which wrapped up this weekend…

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, child care workers make less than workers in 98% of the nation's other professions, with a median annual pay of just under $29,000. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Arizona Ranks Poorly in Overall Child Well-Being

New data ranks Arizona 39th in the country for overall child well-being. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation's 2023 Kids Count Data Book…

Social Security was implemented in 1935, and the Medicare program was created 30 years later, in 1965. (Adobe Stock)

AARP to Congress: 'Hands Off Social Security, Medicare'

As a showdown looms in Congress over whether to raise the federal debt ceiling, AARP Arizona is among the groups voicing concerns about the future of …

An annual study on the health and well-being of American children found that the incidence of mental-health issues increased significantly during the pandemic. (Prostock studio/Adobestock)

Annual Report Finds Arizona Children Increasingly Face Anxiety, Depression

Advocacy groups are sounding the alarm about the well-being of Arizona's children. The 2022 Kids Count Data Book released today ranks Arizona 44th …

The Build Back Better Act would require states to provide 12 months of postpartum health coverage and 12 months of continuous health coverage for children, as well as making federal funding for CHIP permanent. (didesign/AdobeStock)

Children's Advocates See Build Back Better Act Improving AZ Kids' Health

PHOENIX -- Health advocates in Arizona and across the country are pressing the U.S. Senate to approve the Build Back Better Act, because it would …

Antes de esta semana, las familias con ni�os obtuvieron una deducci�n en su declaraci�n de impuestos por el Cr�dito Tributario por Hijo. Bajo la nueva ley, el dinero del cr�dito tributario se depositar� directamente en las cuentas bancarias de las familias. (metafum / Adobe Stock)

Grupos presionan al Congreso para hacer permanente el Crédito Tributario por Hijo

PHOENIX -- A partir de esta semana, muchas familias con niños en Arizona están viendo dinero extra en sus cuentas bancarias. Con esto má…

Before this week, families with children got a deduction on their income tax return for the Child Tax Credit. Under a new law, money from the tax credit will instead be deposited directly into families' bank accounts. (methaphum/Adobe Stock)

Groups Push Congress to Make Child Tax Credit Permanent

PHOENIX -- Starting this week, most Arizona families with children are seeing extra money in their bank accounts, and more than 1.5 million Arizona …

A new report shows Arizona's investments in its children's health, education and overall family economic stability are among the lowest in the 50 states. (cerva/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Report: AZ Under-Invests in Children's Health, Education, Well-Being

PHOENIX -- A decade-long look at how Arizona is taking care of its children finds the state is failing to provide the social, educational and …

Census statistics show Latinos and other people of color have been hit harder by the effects of the pandemic than other Arizonans. (wckiw/Adobe Stock)

Arizona Families Counting on Passage of COVID Relief Plan

PHOENIX, Ariz. - As Arizona families struggle to recover from the pandemic's economic fallout, advocates for children and families say quick passage …

The Biden administration has reopened the Health Insurance Marketplace for people who lost health insurance during the pandemic to get coverage under the Affordable Care Act. (HHS)

Need Health Insurance? AZ Enrollment Reopens for 'Bidencare' Coverage

TUCSON, Ariz. -- It was originally nicknamed "Obamacare." But a lot of people are now calling it "Bidencare," because President Joe Biden has …

Thousands of Arizona renters could face eviction in January when both the federal eviction moratorium and CARES Act housing assistance are scheduled to end. (nito/Adobe Stock)

Many AZ Renters Face Eviction as Moratorium, Financial Aid Ends

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Many Arizonans have used legal and financial assistance programs to keep a roof over their heads during the pandemic. However…

Los estudios muestran que el acceso a los seguros de salud llevan a mejores resultados, m�s altos logros acad�micos y m�s seguridad econ�mica a lo largo de la vida de los ni�os. (sutthichai/Adobe Stock)

Estudio: Menos Niñas y Niños de Arizona tienen acceso a Seguros de Salud

PHOENIX -- El número de niñas y niños de Arizona con seguro de salud, que había estado creciendo sostenidamente durante la dé…

Childcare will be an important factor when Arizona parents need to return to work, but the COVID-19 crisis has sidelined many of the state's providers and caregivers. (lordn/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Child-Care Access Critical for AZ Parents to Return to Work

PHOENIX -- Children's advocates say thousands of Arizona parents who've lost jobs in the pandemic can't return to work until public officials resolve …

Almost 3 million Arizonans have preexisting conditions that could force them to pay more for health insurance or lose coverage if the Affordable Care Act is repealed. (totojang1977/Adobe Stock)

Report: Ending ACA Could Hurt Thousands of Arizonans

PHOENIX -- Thousands of Arizonans - both children and adults - could feel the effects if the Affordable Care Act is repealed during the COVID-19 pande…

Civilian Conservation Corps workers display the handmade signs they created to post along a newly constructed trail system in 1937 at the Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona. (University of Arizona Library)

Groups Seek Revival of Civilian Conservation Corps for AZ, U.S.

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Conservation groups say reviving the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps could help stimulate Arizona's economy by building …

As many as 75,000 Americans could die from drug or alcohol abuse and suicide as a result of stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic, according to a new study. (Steheap/Adobe Stock)

Report: COVID-19 Could Trigger Increase in Overdose Deaths

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- The coronavirus pandemic has pushed unemployment rates in Arizona and other states to record highs, and health policy groups …

Hundreds of thousands of lost jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic have left many Arizonans unsure how they'll make their next rent or mortgage payment. (Elnur/Adobe Stock)

Demand for AZ COVID-19 Rent Assistance Could Outstrip Funding

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic appears to be hitting the most vulnerable Arizonans the hardest. Aside from …

The effects of the COVID-19 crisis are threatening thousands of Arizonans who either are homeless or have lost a job and could lose their housing. (Tab61/Adobe Stock)

Survey Ranks AZ Near Bottom for Pandemic Crisis Assistance

PHOENIX -- The COVID-19 pandemic is a frightening event for most Arizonans, but some say it's especially dangerous for people who are homeless or at …

The Arizona PIRG Education Fund advises never to give out financial information by phone or online, especially if you don't know who you're talking with. (daisy/Adobe Stock)

A New Crop of Scams Grows with COVID-19 Pandemic

PHOENIX -- It may seem like there's always a new scam making the rounds to try to take Arizonans' hard-earned money or steal their identity, and in …

Un reporte reciente muestra que Arizona tiene n�meros entre los m�s elevados de infantes latinos sin seguro m�dico, del pa�s. (AndyDean/Adobe Stock)

Arizona, entre los estados con mayor número de niños latinos no-asegurados

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Un reporte reciente de UnidosUS y el Centro para Niños y Familias de la Universidad Georgetown, muestra que la cantidad de …

A volunteer helps distribute groceries last week at the Help Yourself Food Co-op, held every Friday in Mesa. It is sponsored by United Food Bank, part of the Arizona Food Bank Network and Feeding America. (United Food Bank photo)

Food Banks Gear Up to Feed Arizonans Affected by Coronavirus Crisis

MESA, Ariz. -- As the full effect of the coronavirus sets in, thousands of people in Arizona have been sent home from their jobs to wait out the …

Most Arizona hourly workers, including food service, hospitality and retail employees, received a pay raise on Jan. 1, 2020, under the state's minimum wage law. (rentea/Adobe Stock)

Minimum-Wage Hike Brings AZ Workers Closer to 'Living Wage'

TUCSON, Ariz. - Thousands of Arizona workers have gotten a pay raise this month, but not everyone is happy about it. A 2016 referendum raised the …

Cover Arizona is a nonprofit agency that provides free assistance across the state to people who want to compare health insurance options and enroll in a plan. (Charlie�s/Adobe Stock)

Free Assistance in AZ for ACA Marketplace Enrollment

PHOENIX — Enrollment is open for health insurance coverage in 2020 under the Affordable Care Act, and advocates say thousands of Arizonans …

A new report shows the number of children without health insurance is increasing in Arizona and across the nation. (AdobeStock)

Report: Arizona has 3rd Highest Rate of Uninsured Children

PHOENIX - After several years of trending downward, the number of children without health insurance in Arizona and the nation is on the rise again…

Sweltering temperatures and increased utility power rates in the Arizona summers often bring extremely high bills to electric customers, many of whom struggle to pay their bills. (TebNad/AdobeStock)

Unpaid Arizona Summer Electric Bills Coming Due Today

PHOENIX — A summer moratorium on electric service cut-offs for unpaid bills ends today, but there is concern that many Arizona utility …

The Indian Health Service, operated by the federal government, is one of several sources of health coverage for Native American children. (Wikimedia Commons)<br /><br />

Study: Higher Uninsured Rate for Native American Kids in AZ

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. - American Indian children in Arizona and across the United States are more likely to live in poverty, to die in infancy and to …

The ACLU of Arizona is challenging a law that requires defendants in some cases to either pay hefty fees for GPS monitors or await their trial date in jail. (wavebreakmedia/Adobe Stock)

AZ Court: State Can't Force Defendants to Pay for GPS Monitors

KINGMAN, Ariz. — An Arizona appeals court has ruled a defendant whose trial is pending cannot be forced to either pay hefty fees for GPS …

Senior Advocates Campaign to Cut Prescription Drug Prices

PHOENIX – Polls show health care will be one of the biggest issues in the 2020 elections, and AARP is staking out its position on the high cost …

Housing affordability - the escalating cost of rent - is a major factor in poverty for children and families across Arizona. (AdobeStock)

Report: Arizona Kids Face Challenges in Housing, Education

PHOENIX — Housing affordability is one of the most critical challenges children face growing up in Arizona, according to a new report. Arizona …

AARP is pushing for Congress and state legislatures to crack down on the high cost of prescription drugs. (Flickr)

AARP Aims to Cut Drug Costs with ‘Stop Rx Greed’ Campaign

PHOENIX — Arizonans and all Americans are paying too much for prescriptions, according to the AARP. And now the organization has launched a …

A new program aims to get low-income Arizona families more involved in their children's education. (Twenty20)

Program Seeks to Close AZ Students' 'Achievement Gap'

PHOENIX, Ariz. – A new grant program aims to close the "achievement gap" for low-income Arizona students by getting their families involved in …

Un estudio aplicado a alumnos de tercer grado encontr� que quienes viven en la pobreza, o asisten a escuelas rurales, enfrentan los mayores obst�culos para obtener una literalidad acorde a su edad. (smgu3/Twenty20)

Estudio: En Arizona, pobreza y ubicación son factores de alfabetismo estudiantil

PHOENIX – Un estudio realizado en Arizona para evaluar la efectividad de los programas de alfabetización en estudiantes de tercer grado…

Leer en Arizona (Read On Arizona) tiene una meta a 10 a�os: que todos los peque�os de tercer grado de Arizona lean a un nivel adecuado para su edad.

“Read On Arizona”: ‘Leer en Arizona’ busca detonar las destrezas de Alfabetismo en Preescolares

TEMPLE, Ariz. – Los niveles de destreza en lectura de los pequeños de Arizona que cursan preescolar, normalmente están debajo del …

Energy efficiency inspections can save ratepayers hundreds of dollars a year on their electric bills. (Kossens/WikimediaCommons)

Group Wants Energy Efficiency Program Funding Restored

PHOENIX – Consumer advocates are calling for the Arizona Corporation Commission to restore and increase funding for energy efficiency programs a…

The majority of Arizona households making less than $20,000 a year spend more than half their earnings on rent. (Flickr)

Arizona Poverty Rate Remains Among Nation's Highest

PHOENIX – Poverty in Arizona has declined slightly, but the rate of residents living in poverty in the state is still among the highest …

The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy finds low-income people are spending a large portion of their incomes at the cash register in the form of sales tax. (Arsen Ametov/Twenty20)

Report: Arizona's Reputation for Low Taxes Only Applies to Wealthy

PHOENIX – Nationwide, low-income people pay much higher rates of taxes than high earners, and Arizona's taxes are among the most unequal in the …

Quienes formulan las pol�ticas est�n aprovechando los datos para servir mejor a los ni�os del estado. (1laura/Twenty20)

El uso de datos para mejorar la vida de los niños de Arizona

PHOENIX – Este mes se despliega la herramienta “MapLIT” del portal “Read On Arizona”, Leer en Arizona. La …

As of 2016, the Navajo Generating Station was the 11th biggest producer of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. (Eflon/Flickr)

Navajo Travel to NY to Protest Coal Plant

PAGE, Ariz. – Members of the Navajo Nation are in New York City Monday to call attention to the fate of the biggest coal power plant in the …

Phoenix Public Library offers prizes for kids who earn points by reading 20 minutes per day over the summer. (Flickr)

Library Programs Fight Summer Slide

PHOENIX – For many children, summer break is long enough that they'll start to forget what they learned during the school year, educators say…

La Biblioteca P�blica de Phoenix (�Phoenix Public Library�) ofrece premios a los ni�os, que ganan puntos leyendo 20 minutos al d�a durante el verano. (Flickr)

Programas en bibliotecas contra el ‘Desliz de Verano’

PHOENIX – Los alumnos pequeños, especialmente los que vienen de hogares con desventajas económicas, corren el riesgo de perder …

Arizona has fallen in national rankings of fourth-grade reading and eighth-grade math proficiency, according to the 2018 KIDS COUNT Data Book. (U.S. Dept. of Education/Flickr)

Arizona Ranks Among Lowest States for Children's Well-Being

PHOENIX – Arizona ranks 45th in the nation when it comes to children's well-being, according to the 2018 KIDS COUNT Data Book from the Annie E…

Under previous law, the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions had to regularly examine the state's banks and money lenders. With a new state law, that won't be the case. (Flickr)

Federal Rules Tighten, But High-Interest Lending Remains in AZ

PHOENIX – Federal rules on high interest payday loans are set to tighten up since Congress allowed a deadline to pass without changing the regul…

About one in every seven people in Arizona relies on food assistance through SNAP. (Daniel Orth/Flickr)

Farm Bill Could Cut Off Many AZ Families from Food Stamps

PHOENIX - Around 850,000 people in Arizona rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, but advocates for food security fear the Farm Bill…

The Vera Institute of Justice reports the number of women in U.S. jails has increased 14-fold since 1970, and a large portion of those women are simply awaiting trial. (Steven Depolo/Flickr)

Rights Groups Seek Fairness for Jailed AZ Women Who Can't Afford Bail

PHOENIX – Advocates say too many moms in Arizona will spend Mother's Day behind bars simply because they can't afford bail. And human rights …

Landlords are supporting bills to make it harder for tenants to dispute the loss of a security deposit, and shorten the amount of time abandoned property must be stored. (Wikimedia Commons)

Bills to Tighten Rules on Renters in AZ Legislature This Week

PHOENIX – Two bills to tighten up rules on renters are up for debate in the Arizona Legislature this week - and anti-poverty groups are fighting…

One program on the chopping block in President Donald Trump's budget helps schools improve technology education. (melpomenem/iStockphoto)

Trump Budget Cuts College Readiness Programs

PHOENIX – Some education advocates are criticizing President Donald Trump's new 2019 budget proposal because it zeroes out funding for several p…

Statistics show that the Arizona economy improved markedly after the minimum wage hike last January. (Cohdra/Morguefile)

Minimum Wage Goes Up Again Jan. 1

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Millions of Arizonans are getting a bump in pay starting Monday – when the minimum wage goes up from $10 to $10.50 an …

A new report shows low-income Arizonans are 18 percent less likely to be registered to vote compared with high-income voters.(Svablar/morguefile)

Report Alleges Widespread Voter Registration Violations in AZ

PHOENIX – The American Civil Liberties Union Arizona released a report on Tuesday alleging widespread violations of the National Voter Registrat…

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AZ: Poverty Issues