Public News Service

Mayor Lenise Peterman spoke with a participant at the Coal Country at a Crossroads Listening Session. (United Today, Stronger Tomorrow)

Utah mayor calls for more federal dollars for rural communities

Federal and agency officials convened with stakeholders in Southeastern Utah to discuss how federal funds can help grow and strengthen local economies…

Although Utah's poverty rate has always been below the national average, housing affordability has become a major issue, affecting how families can cope with emergencies and other day-to-day expenses, according to the Community Action Partnership of Utah. (Adobe Stock)

UT poverty simulation aims to catalyze change, empathy

More than 8% of Utah's population lives in poverty, according to the Census and an event this month wants to give participants a better idea of the …

A Utah Foundation report found Utah residents in 2022 earning a median income of just under $90,000 dollars could only afford a mortgage payment of just over $2,200 dollars without monthly housing costs exceeding 30% of their income. (Jason Finn / Adobe Stock)

Report: Utah homeownership increasingly out of reach for many

For generations, homeownership has been synonymous with the American Dream, but a new Utah report shows housing affordability is at historic lows…

Utah is categorized as a child care desert, with just under three children for every available opening at a licensed childcare center. (Adobe Stock)

UT tax credit bill would loosen rules for unlicensed child care

Utah child care advocates are relieved child care is finally a topic of more serious policy discussion on the Hill but they are also voicing concerns …

Some 8,900 federal borrowers in Utah age 62 years and older owe an average $47,191 in student loans, totaling $420 million, according to the Education Data Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

Utahns with student debt: this could ease your burden

Student loan borrowers of all ages in Utah and around the country have an opportunity to maybe have their student loans cancelled or the chance to rec…

Utah saw the highest percent growth in personal income from 2016 to 2021, according to the Utah Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Utah's tax burden increases, sitting above national average

A new report found the State of Utah's overall tax and property tax burden hit record lows over the last five years, while the state's income tax …

Since its implementation, more than 22.5 million households have utilized the Affordable Connectivity Program's monthly discount of up to $30 for internet service, and up to $75 monthly for those living on tribal lands. (Adobe Stock)

Federal internet assistance plan winding down in Utah

For a number of years now, Congress has appropriated billions of dollars to the Affordable Connectivity Program to help internet access become more …

Salt Lake City is one of five markets identified as resilient and in a position for new growth, according to the commercial real estate firm CBRE. (Adobe Stock)

Tech scene grows in states like Utah, but not without challenges

A new report showed the share of tech jobs in what are known as "superstar" cities such as the Bay Area, Boston, Los Angeles and New York has dipped …

Utah women and girls experience disproportionate exposure to adverse childhood experiences, with 18.3% of females reporting four or more, compared with 13.9% of males. (Jose Manuel/Adobe Stock)

Research sheds light on current status of Utah women, girls

New research spotlights the status of women and girls in Utah, in five areas of focus. At Utah State University, Susan Madsen, founding director of …

Around 80% of Park City parents with children younger than five years old rely on child care, according to Upwards. (Adobe Stock)

Park City child-care assistance program launches in 2024

A partnership launching next year in Utah has the goal to expand child-care access and affordability for families who live and work in Park City…

In December 2020, about 800,000 borrowers aged 62 and older, making up 35% of borrowers in the age group, were in default on their federal student loans. (Adobe Stock)

Majority of seniors with student loans have held their debt at least 15 years

New federal data from the Department of Education confirmed retirement-age borrowers are struggling to repay their federal student loans. About 60% …

An estimated 40% of recent college graduates in the U.S. are underemployed, according to Statista. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Mending the pathway from college to workforce

A new report from WGU Labs, a nonprofit affiliate of Western Governors University based in Millcreek, Utah, is shedding light on the importance of …

One in three families across the United States does not have enough diapers to meet their baby's needs, according to the Administration of Children and Families. (Adobe Stock)

Utah mom shares impact of 'diaper assistance'

One Utah mom with three children is grateful for assistance from the Utah Diaper Distribution Demonstration Project. Taylor Graff said the program …

A Voice for Utah Children report showed how effective federal stabilization funding has been for Utah's child-care system, which has grown licensed child-care capacity by 31% since 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Report examines UT child-care crisis

A new report found licensed child care programs in Utah are only able to serve about 36% of all children younger than 6 whose parents are working…

Nationally, 25% of parents with diaper need reported they have missed an average of five days of work or school in the past month due to not having enough diapers to drop children off at child care. (Joaquin Corbalan / Adobe Stock)

As UT diaper needs grow, help is available

Inadequate diaper supply can jeopardize Utahn's ability to advance financially. That is according to Vic Velivis, the founder and executive director …

The average annual cost for toddler care in Utah is $7,678. (Adobe Stock)

UT child-care providers, families demand investment in care for kids

On Wednesday, child care providers and families will gather at the Utah State Capitol to participate in a stroller rally to advocate for critical …

Utah is one of the states that pays and administers its own supplemental payments. People can contact the state directly for payment information. (Adobe Stock)

Eligible Utahns Could Qualify for Supplemental Security Income Payments

Many people in Utah and across the country are eligible for financial aid on top of receiving Social Security payments, but are not aware of it…

You are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if your income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines. (Adobe Stock)

Bridging Digital Divide for Low-Income Utahns

Utah organizations across the state are wanting to increase awareness and enrollment of the Affordable Connectivity Program. ACP's primary goal is to …

'Returnships' Help More Utahns Get Back to Work

By Ramona Schindelheim for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Utah News Connection reporting for the Working Nation-Public News Serv…

Utah's average cost of center-based child care for toddlers was $9,003 per year, 9% of the median income of a married couple. (Adobe Stock)

UT Excels in Child Well-Being, But Parents Struggle with Child Care Costs

Utah ranks second in the country for overall child well-being, moving up from last year's fourth-place ranking in the annual Kids Count Data Book…

According to Education Superhighway, the Affordable Connectivity Program has a 35% adoption rate across the country. (Adobe Stock)

Low-Income Utahns Lag on Broadband Access

Gov. Spencer Cox has announced a statewide initiative to increase awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program, which aims to get more Utahns …

The Utah Food Bank's Southern Distribution Center works closely with 25 local grocery stores to help provide fresh food to Utahns in need. (Adobe Stock)

Utah Food Bank Southern Distribution Center Expands as Need Increases

The need for emergency food in Utah's six southernmost counties is on the rise, so Utah Food Bank is expanding its Southern Distribution Center in St…

The survey demonstrates that despite inflationary pressures and interest-rate hikes, small businesses expect to create jobs in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: 70% of Small Businesses Give Government Programs Grade of 'C' or Below

A Goldman Sachs survey finds that 70% of small business owners give the federal government a grade of "C or below" for the effectiveness of programs…

House Bill 241 would prohibit a public employer from compensating a public employee for union activities. (Adobe Stock)

Utah Bill Would Mean Stricter Regulations for Union Workers

A Utah lawmaker has proposed a bill which could impose stricter restrictions and regulations for public employees. Passage of House Bill 241…

According to the report from Utah's Department of Workforce Services, Utah's unemployment rate currently sits at 2.2% which means about 38,200 Utahns are currently without work. (Adobe Stock)

Utah Economy Sees Tight Labor Market Heading into 2023

Utah's economy is starting to slow down, according to data from the state. Last month, Utah saw an increase of 2.6% in nonfarm payroll jobs…

When Congress elected to let the Child Tax Credit expire, child poverty rose by 40%, according to the Coalition on Human Needs. (Adobe Stock)

Utahns Call on Congress to Expand Child Tax Credit

Utahns are calling on Congress to expand the Child Tax Credit and say it should be a priority in a year-end tax package. The debate comes as …

Since the 2020 winter season, the cost of home energy has increased 36%, reflecting the highest prices in the last 10 years, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association. (Adobe Stock)

As Utah Temps Drop and Energy Costs Rise, Help is Available

As temperatures drop across the state of Utah and energy costs continue to rise, Utahns may be eligible for heat utility assistance to stay warm as …

The National Bureau of Economic Research estimates the benefits of a restored Child Tax Credit to low-income children would outweigh the program's costs by a factor of 10-to-1. (Jenko Ataman/Adobe Stock)

UT Group Urges Congress to Reinstate Child Tax Credit Payments

When families began receiving expanded Child Tax Credit payments during the pandemic, the extra family income lifted almost four-million children out …

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics, almost one-third of Americans over age 65 are participating in the workforce. (moodboard/Adobe Stock)

Nonprofit Job Training, Placement Program Puts Utah Seniors to Work

A nonprofit program is helping older adults in Utah and other states to develop new skills, polish their resumes and find work. After a lifetime of …

Salt Lake City had a 24.6% increase in rental costs between 2019 and 2022, the third-highest in the country, according to real estate data firm Stessa. (DoubletreeStudios/Adobe Stock)

Study: Skyrocketing Housing Costs Putting the Squeeze on Utah Renters

The average cost of keeping a roof over your head in Utah's metro areas is a lot more than it used to be - if you're renting. A recent University …

During the COVID-19 pandemic, food pantries provided more than 60 million Americans with nutritious food. (aerogondo/Adobe Stock)

Inflation Brings Higher Demand, Fewer Supplies for Utah Food Pantries

During the pandemic, food pantries were a lifeline for thousands of Utah families experiencing hard times. Rising inflation, however, is making it …

Studies show that 40% of college students in Utah and across the country say food insecurity is affecting their academic performance. (prostock/Adobe Stock)

Study: Food Insecurity a Major Problem for Utah College Students

There may be some truth to the expression about the "starving college student" struggling to earn a degree. A survey of students enrolled in Utah …

Inability to pay was the most cited reason for educational disruptions, according to an analysis by the Latino Politics and Policy Initiative at UCLA. (Adobe Stock)

For Some in UT, College Dreams Cut Short by Pandemic

Low-income families in Utah may have shifted funds from education to pay for pandemic-related costs, a trend in line with findings showing Black and …

Over a 40-year career, the pay deficit for Utah women is between $80,000 and $800,000. (Adobe Stock)

Equal Pay Day 2022: Utah Women Still Far Behind

Today is Equal Pay Day, representing how far into 2022 women would have to work to make what men did in 2021, on average. In 2021, full-time wages …

Food banks and pantries across Utah saw double the normal number of families in need during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Utah Food Bank)

UT Lawmakers Ponder Permanent Working Group on Hunger Issues

Statistics showed during the pandemic, the number of Utah families experiencing food insecurity grew, and advocates argued the state needs to take a …

The continuing pandemic and poor economic conditions in rural communities are keeping demand high at Utah's food banks. (Elena Shi/Adobe Stock)

Groups Scour 2022 Utah Budget for Funds to Fight Hunger

Advocates in the battle against food insecurity are urging lawmakers to find room in the upcoming Utah state budget to increase aid to food banks and …

The cost of regular gas and jumped from $2.24 a gallon one year ago to $3.59 last week in Utah, while oil and gas companies are reporting record profits. (moodboard/Adobe Stock).

Report: Soaring Oil Industry Profits Costing Consumers at Pump

SALT LAKE CITY -- As Utahns continue to endure some of the nation's highest gasoline prices, 24 of the top oil and gas corporations made nearly $174 …

The Build Back Better Act contains provisions that would bolster coverage through the Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) and Medicaid. (Arlette/Adobe Stock)

Children's Advocates: Build Back Better 'Crucial' for UT Kids' Health

SALT LAKE CITY -- Health-care reform advocates in Utah are pressing the U.S. Senate to approve the Build Back Better Act. They say it would improve …

A legislative report shows that more than 100,000 Utah families are considered food insecure and regularly depend on food banks for assistance. (areogondo/Adobe Stock)

Task Force Recommends Ways to Cut Utah's Poverty, Food Insecurity

CEDAR CITY, Utah - A new legislative study shows that more than 100,000 Utah families are periodically food insecure, meaning they do not have the …

Thousands of Utah school children lose access to their daily school lunch and breakfast meals during the summer and other school breaks. (Anatoly/Adobe Stock)

'Stop Child Hunger Act' Aims to Fill Gaps in School Meal Programs

SALT LAKE CITY - Many Utah students, particularly those in rural areas, often are left without access to their school's meal program during breaks in …

Gov. Spencer Cox announced an early end last week to Utah's participation in the $300-a-week federal unemployment stimulus program, claiming workers were making too much money in jobless benefits to return to their jobs. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Utah Governor Ends $300 Federal Jobless Benefit Early to Boost Employment

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah -- Utah officials are cutting back on jobless benefits, claiming without evidence federal "bonus" payments are keeping thousands …

Parents without access to paid leave must often decide between staying home with a sick child or going to work and getting paid. (pixel-shot/Adobe Stock)

Infrastructure Plan to Include Paid Family Leave for Utah, U.S.

SALT LAKE CITY - President Joe Biden says he will include a federal paid leave program as part of his multi-trillion-dollar infrastructure plan to reb…

The School Breakfast Scorecard recently ranked Utah 51st for the number of students receiving breakfast on a daily basis. A new program, Smart Start, aims to improve participation. (Wavebreaknedia/Adobe Stock)

Utah Seeks to Improve Participation in School Breakfast Program

SALT LAKE CITY -- As Utah students head back to the classroom soon, research shows providing breakfast will be a critical factor in helping kids who …

Thousands of Utah families who have lost jobs during the pandemic depend on SNAP benefits to buy enough groceries each month to stave off hunger. (Tada Images/Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Ending Hunger in Utah, U.S. Should be Biden’s Top Priority

SALT LAKE CITY -- In his first week in office, President Joe Biden signed an executive order extending a temporary increase in SNAP benefits during …

Since the start of the pandemic, it's estimated Utah renters are collectively $120 million in arrears because of illness and/or unemployment. (pixelrobot/Adobe Stiock)

Without New Stimulus, Thousands of Utah Renters Face Eviction

SALT LAKE CITY -- Thousands of Utah renters who lost jobs or suffered cutbacks because of COVID-19 face possible eviction beginning in the first week …

School bus drivers say it's difficult for them to prevent close contact between themselves and their students on their daily routes. (pyzata/Adobe Stock)

Utah School Workers: Safety Measures Needed to Reopen

SALT LAKE CITY -- As Utah school districts work to meet an August 1 deadline to develop plans to reopen this fall, teachers and support staff say …

Studies show the need for universal post-high-school education is rooted in the shift from an industrial to a knowledge-based economy. (Rob/AdobeStockPixnio)

Utah Workers Need More Education for Post-Pandemic Economy

LOGAN, Utah - As the nation struggles to recover from the economic downturn amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, workforce experts are calling on …

Groups advocating on behalf of Utah tenants say those who've fallen behind on their rent due to the COVID-19 crisis could soon run out of options. (tab62/Adobe Stock)<br /> <br /><br />

Utah Tenants Behind on Rent Could Soon Face Evictions

SALT LAKE CITY - Groups working for affordable housing in Utah say the next two weeks could be "crunch time" for people trying to catch up on their un…

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