Livable Wages/Working Families / Public News Service

While such issues as tax cuts are getting attention in the Iowa Legislature, some advocacy groups hope policymakers don't lose sight of programs they say would improve health outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, January 21, 2022

'Day of Action' to Highlight Health-Policy Priorities for IA

If Iowa wants to create healthier outcomes for its residents, advocates say there are steps policymakers can take right now to make it happen…

Over the course of the pandemic, North Dakota has received more than $350 million in federal aid to help struggling renters, but says it has sent back roughly 40% of that money unspent. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, January 21, 2022

ND Opts to Return Much of Federal Rent-Relief Funding

North Dakota has returned a significant portion of the rental assistance provided by the federal government in the pandemic, and groups working …

Workers at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center were among a wave of workers nationwide that went on strike in October. (SEIU Local 49)

Friday, January 21, 2022

After Strikes, OR Hospital Workers Notch Win in Union Contract

Healthcare workers at an Oregon hospital have achieved what they say is a "win" after several strikes in recent months. Nearly 300 workers and …

In 2020, nearly one in five Americans reported some level of medical debt. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Health-Care Affordability in Spotlight During 2022 WA Session

With costs growing, health care is set to be a major theme in Olympia this year. Sam Hatzenbeler, health policy associate for the Economic …

The People's Commission to Decriminalize Maryland's 2022 legislative priorities hone in on homelessness, poverty, youths, drug policy and bodily autonomy. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 20, 2022

MD People's Commission Lists Legislative Priorities for 2022

As Gov. Larry Hogan revealed his proposed Fiscal Year 2023 budget in Annapolis yesterday, the People's Commission to Decriminalize Maryland announced …

Access to Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF) funds varies greatly by county in Colorado. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Fewer Colorado Families Living in Poverty Receive TANF Cash Assistance

Colorado and other states are hoarding more than $6 billion intended for struggling families, according to new analysis. In 2020, Colorado denied …

44% of Michiganders live in child-care deserts. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Report: MI Kids Eligible but Not Receiving Child-Care Subsides

New state and county data show among Michigan's youngest children, there are gaps and disparities in access to crucial health, nutritional and …

The racial wealth gap has persisted for decades. White families have about seven times the wealth of Black families. (Hyejin Kang/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

WA Baby Bond Program Aims to Address Wealth Gap

Washington state lawmakers are considering a policy which could help close the wealth gap for future generations. The Washington Future Fund is a …

Idaho is expected to experience more extreme weather such as droughts as global temperatures rise. (TS Schofield/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Assessment Details Changing Climate's Effects on ID Economy

A new report analyzes the economic effects of a changing climate on Idaho. It's the first to look at state-specific circumstances. Katherine Himes …

While the number of public school teachers of color has grown substantially, the increase has not kept pace with changes in the nation's student population, <a href= — While the number of public school teachers of color has grown substantially, the increase has not kept pace with changes in the nation's student population, according to the National Council on Teacher Quality. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Race, Gender Factors in TN Teacher Classroom-Observation Scores

New research suggests Tennessee's system for rating a teacher's effectiveness by observing them in the classroom may not be equitable - at a time when…

In a survey by the North Carolina Secretary of State's office, half of the new businesses started in the last three years reported revenue of more than $25,000, with 9% claiming revenue over $500,000. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 17, 2022

NC Saw Record-Breaking Business Creation in 2021

Despite the pandemic, North Carolina has seen a record number of new businesses created in the past year. A report from the Secretary of State's …

In 2020, 42% of New York's direct care workers lived in or near poverty. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates Push NY to Increase Home-Care Workers' Pay

Advocates for New Yorkers with disabilities are calling on state lawmakers to take action on policies that would raise earnings for home-care workers…

Some dental providers in Minnesota's underserved communities say they have long waiting lists because of low reimbursement rates tied to public health programs. (Adobe Stock)

Dental Reimbursements Could Improve Access for MN Kids

This month, Minnesota has raised state reimbursement rates for dentists who accept patients enrolled in the state's Medicaid program. Groups working …

A survey from 2021 found 38% of Oregon respondents with children age 12 and under faced disruptions to their child-care arrangements in the last month. (Kawee/Adobe Stock)

Child-Care Conundrum Presents Hurdles for OR Families

Finding and affording child care is no cakewalk for Oregon families right now. A new report details the pressures and some potential policy fixes…

Farm safety experts say such factors as a wet harvest season can lead to more accidents in places like grain bins, as the product can clog up equipment, putting workers in dangerous positions. (Adobe Stock)

ND Brings Farmer Safety Back to the Forefront

2022 will see a renewed focus on farmer safety in North Dakota. A key position has been filled to focus on education designed to reduce accidents and …

Gas prices have risen sharply over the last year, making a dent on many folks' heating bills. (SkyLine/Adobe Stock)

Utilities: Don't Wait to Seek Heating Help During Cold Winter Months

With Michigan receiving more federal funding for home heating assistance, utility companies are also chipping in to help people stay warm this winter…

Nearly 30% of Missouri families reported paying more than $1,000 a month for child care, according to a report from United WE. (santypan/Adobe Stock)

MO Budget Proposal Includes Dispersing Federal Funds for Child Care

More than half of Missouri families report paying more than $500 a month for child care, and child-care providers have been struggling to keep their …

More than half of Maine adults struggle to afford prescription drugs, according to a new survey. (pickselstock/Adobe Stock)

Poll: Mainers Face Health-Care Affordability Burdens

A new poll found a majority of Mainers struggle to afford the medical care they need. Advocates for increasing access to health care say Gov…

Gov. Gavin Newsom's new budget proposal represents an increase of more than $16 billion for education compared with last year. (Jantanee/Adobestock)

Governor’s Budget Includes Highest Education Funding in CA History

K-12 and higher education would get $102 billion next fiscal year as part of Gov. Gavin Newsom's new budget proposal, released Monday -- the most in …

Enrollment among first-time Hispanic college students dropped by nearly 20% during the height of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Latinos Continue to Face Barriers to College Degrees

The COVID health pandemic has blunted progress made in the number of Latino students graduating with a college certificate or degree, a development …

Health coverage enrollment under the Affordable Care Act usually runs through mid-December but has been extended to January 15th this year. (Adobe Stock)

ACA Enrollment Deadline and COVID Surge Collide

The deadline to enroll for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act is fast approaching. The latest COVID surge might be interrupting plans to …

The Biden administration's American Rescue Plan increased the Child Tax Credit for more than 65 million kids nationwide, according to the Center for Budget Policy and Priorities. (Adobe Stock)

For Parents in Recovery, Expanded Child Tax Credit Provided “One Less Stressor”

West Virginia families can expect a smaller federal Child Tax Credit this year, and no more advance monthly payments now that the Build Back Better …

Montana, South Dakota and Minnesota have minimum wages that hover around the $10 level, but North Dakota remains at $7.25, which is also the federal wage. (Adobe Stock)

Labor Groups: ND Keeps Losing Ground on Minimum Wage

The start of the new year saw a number of states boost their minimum wage, but not North Dakota. Labor leaders say it's remained at $7.25 an hour for …

New York City has set a goal of 100 megawatts of solar capacity on public buildings by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

Unions: BBB's Clean-Energy Jobs Key to NY's Manufacturing Future

The future of the Build Back Better Act may be in doubt in Congress, but New York labor leaders say the bill would create sustainable union jobs and …

Children who have reliable access to housing and nutritious foods are more likely to have better health and financial outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska Denies Emergency Assistance to 90% of Poor Families

Nebraska and other states are hoarding more than $5 billion intended for struggling families, according to new analysis. In 2019, for every 100 …

New census data suggests that kids were the biggest beneficiaries of stimulus payments during 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Data Reveals Promising Drop in Ohio Child Poverty

New data reveals a promising trend in the well-being of Ohio's kids. In 2020, 16.8% of Ohio children lived in poverty, nearly 423,000 children…

People experiencing homelessness are at increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes and have an average life expectancy of 30 years less than the housed population. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado to Invest $400 Million in Affordable Housing

A task force charged with addressing homelessness and affordable housing across Colorado is expected to release recommendations on how to invest some …

Maine now has the third-highest minimum wage in New England, after Connecticut and Massachusetts. (Adobe Stock)

ME Minimum Wage Now 60 Cents Higher Than Last Year

Mainers working for minimum wage will see a modest increase in their paychecks starting this month, as inflation has driven it to $12.75 an hour…

The prices of beef and veal in the last year have skyrocketed 20%. Fresh fruits and vegetables cost 4% more than this time last year. (goodmanphoto/Adobe Stock)

Missourians, Food Banks Face Inflation, Supply-Chain Issues

Supply-chain issues, inflation and job loss during the pandemic have put many families' food security at risk. In Missouri, hunger remains higher …

The Latino Community Association provides computer-skills training for beginners and more advanced users. (GR-Photography/Adobe Stock)

Central OR Organization Tackles Workforce Challenges for Latino Communities

A program in central Oregon is helping growing Latino communities in the region upgrade their workforce skills. The Latino Community Association …

The prices of beef and veal in the last year have skyrocketed 20%. Fresh fruits and veggies cost 4% more than at this time last year. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Inflation, Supply-Chain Issues Heighten IL Food Insecurity

Supply-chain issues, inflation and job loss during the pandemic have put many families' food security at risk. In Illinois, hunger remains higher …

The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 since 2009. (Artur/Adobe Stock)

Ohio's Minimum-Wage Increase Largest in 15 Years

An annual pay raise has kicked-in for Ohio's minimum-wage workers, who will now earn $9.30 per hour, about $2 more than the federal minimum wage…

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 …

One in three high school students and half of female students now report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, an overall increase of 40% from 2009, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. (Adobe Stock)

WV Families Anticipate More Mental, Financial Stress in New Year

West Virginia families expect increased financial stress and anxiety in the new year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment …

In a national report on disengaged learners, about 43% of respondents who put a hold on their college studies said they were either extremely or very likely to continue their education at a later point. (Adobe Stock)

IN Education Leaders Work to Keep College Students on Track to Graduate

College students in Indiana are gearing up to head back to class for the spring semester, but some are weighing whether to continue with higher …

New Mexico could face tough water decisions if a decades-long drought due to climate change doesn't provide a decent spring runoff in 2022. (nm.water.usgs.gov)

Public Lands Agencies Work to Diversify Staff in 2022

People of color historically have been excluded from outdoor-recreation jobs, but a collaborative effort to diversify staff within agencies that …

A 2020 study found that more than 23,000 people work as life coaches in the United States. (Wollertz/Adobestock)

Life Coach’s New Year’s Advice for Latinos: Go For It!

It's that time of year where we make our New Year's resolutions, and some in the Latino community are reaching out for help sticking to their plans…

The price of beef and veal in the last year has skyrocketed 20%. Fruits and veggies cost 4% more. (kucherav/Adobe Stock)

Food Insecurity in MA Compounded by Supply-Chain Issues, Inflation

Supply-chain issues, inflation and job loss during the pandemic have put many families' food security at risk. In Massachusetts, food insecurity …

Groups advocating for the Build Back Better plan say it would shore up support systems that are critical to American workers, such as improving the child care system and helping families save money on child care. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Supporters: Build Back Better Essential for Workers

As Democrats scramble to rescue the Build Back Better Act, a Virginia labor leader said some provisions in the bill are necessary to bolster support …

Despite a drop in global carbon emissions in 2020 due to the pandemic, worldwide CO2 emissions are estimated to be around 34 billion tons. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Despite a drop in global carbon emissions in 2020 due to the pandemic, worldwide CO2 emissions are estimated to be around 34 billion tons. (Adobe Stock)

Putting Price on Carbon Could Benefit West Virginians

Tax credits and direct payments to companies that capture and store their carbon emissions underground are a key feature of the climate provisions out…

As families are warned to stay home to stay healthy, many Nebraskans face homelessness. (Adobe Stock)

Families Face Winter Evictions Across Nebraska

Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's eviction moratorium expired in August, eviction court filings in Nebraska are on the rise…

Ohio electric customers are expected to pay about 6% more for home heating costs this winter. <br />(Adobestock) — Ohio electric customers are expected to pay about 6% more for home heating costs this winter.
(Adobestock)

Winter Crisis Program Offers Gift of Warmth

It's beginning to feel a lot like winter in the Buckeye State, and the Winter Crisis Program offers the gift of warmth to Ohioans burdened by their …

A Starbucks store in upstate New York became the coffee giant's first unionized workplace in the United States earlier this month after workers supported the move in a 19-8 vote. (LubosHouska/Pixabay)

TX Labor Groups Say Build Back Better Could Reposition Workers

The Build Back Better Act is on ice in Congress, but Texas labor leaders say reforms in the bill are needed to help shift America's focus to those …

If passed, Build Back Better would allocate additional funding for home and community-based care for seniors and people with disabilities. (Miguel Tamayo)

ME Labor Leader: Child Care, Pre-K, CTC Needed to Boost Working Families

With the future of the Build Back Better Act in doubt in Congress, labor leaders are urging Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, to get on board to improve …

Some supporters of the proposed Build Back Better Act contend it shouldn't be labeled as a "social spending bill," but rather an investment in the lives of American workers. (Adobe Stock)

MN Labor Leader: Giving Up on BBB is Giving Up on Workers

The Build Back Better Act is on ice in Congress, but a Minnesota labor leader says reforms in the bill are needed to propel the lives of workers who …

A 2021 College Equity Report found Black and Hispanic/Latino students were the most likely to come from low-income homes. Indiana has about a dozen programs geared toward helping students in need find money for education. (Adobe Stock)

Padres Estrellas Helps Hoosier Students Get Financial Aid

A state-run outreach program is working to ensure Indiana's Latino and Hispanic students have equal access to financial aid for post-secondary educati…

If passed, Build Back Better also would provide an above-the-line deduction for the first $250 of a worker's union dues. (Adobe Stock)

CT Labor Groups: BBB's Workplace Reform Policies Must Pass

The future of the Build Back Better Act may be in doubt in Congress, but Connecticut labor leaders say the bill would make key workplace reforms with …

In the second cohort of the Magnolia Mother's Trust, the percentage of moms able to keep up with their bills increased from 37% to 80%. (Adobe Stock)

With BBB In Doubt, A Push for Guaranteed Income for Low-Income Families

By Katie Fleischer for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Emily Scott for New Mexico News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

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