Livable Wages/Working Families / Public News Service

With census data showing a more diverse population in Minnesota, advocates say it's important to adopt policies that meet the needs of growing racial groups, including older residents. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 27, 2021

Setting Fair Policies for Older BIPOC Minnesotans

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The challenges facing older Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Minnesotans will be the focal point of a virtual forum tomorrow…

Climate scientists say drought, megafires and air pollution are becoming more extreme and more common because of climate change. (Hotblack/Morguefile)

Monday, September 27, 2021

CA Business Leaders Speak Out for Infrastructure Bill

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The U.S. House of Representatives is supposed to vote this week on President Joe Biden's Build Back Better infrastructure bill…

The $184 million that Connecticut has secured for long-term care workers is also supposed to solidify pension contributions for these workers. (Cloe Poisson for SEIU 1199NE)

Monday, September 27, 2021

CT Group-Home Workers Could Strike Over Wages, Insurance Costs

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Caregivers at group homes in Connecticut have sent strike notices to two agencies after failure to reach contract agreements to …

Raise the Wage Nebraska's goal is to collect 130,000 signatures across communities in Nebraska. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Raise the Wage Nebraska's goal is to collect 130,000 signatures across communities in Nebraska. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 27, 2021

Nebraska Voters Asked to Raise Minimum Wage, Again

LINCOLN, Neb. - A coalition of Nebraska community organizations and supporters are collecting signatures for a ballot initiative that would raise the …

In August the Missouri Supreme Court upheld Medicaid expansion, after lawmakers attempted to block the voter-approved measure. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 27, 2021

Health Experts: Find Best Option Before Open Enrollment

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Missourians have a little more than a month until open enrollment for health-care coverage at healthcare.gov, and medical experts …

In an AARP poll, 70% of respondents said finding solutions to lower drug prices this year is very important. (Satjawat/Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 27, 2021

Groups Seek Medicare Negotiations, Cap on Out-of-Pocket Drug Costs

CONCORD, N.H. -- Prescription drugs in the U.S. cost more than 2.5 times more than those in other countries, and groups such as AARP are urging …

In Michigan, it is estimated 75% of children live in areas where their families have limited child-care options. (Ana/Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 24, 2021

MI Groups Applaud Bipartisan Child-Care Investments in State Budget

LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan advocates for children and families are praising many of the investments in the 2022 state budget passed this week…

From 2007 to 2018, Colorado state and local governments cut public health spending per resident by more than 45%. (Adobe Stock)

Report: TABOR Blunted State’s COVID Response

DENVER -- Colorado's ability to respond to COVID-19 was blunted by decades of disinvestment in critical public services, according to a new report…

Since 2016, job vacancies have trended upward in North Dakota, going from fewer than 14,000 to nearly 18,000 over a five-year period. (Adobe Stock)

ND Labor Group: Federal Plans Can Help With Job-Recruitment Barriers

MANDAN, N.D. -- North Dakota has had nearly 18,000 job openings in recent months, with roughly 1,000 in construction. A labor leader in the trades …

Food prices are rising nationwide, and the cost of a grocery store trip is up 3.5% from a year ago, according to a USDA report. (Adobe Stock)

Rural Groups Work to Boost Food Access, Help Farmers

RALEIGH, N.C. -- More than $1 million in COVID-19 relief grants are helping rural organizations increase their focus on locally sourced food relief…

"Tulip Harvest" by Jesus Guillen was among the work displayed in a retrospective of the artist's life and work. (Kris Ekstrand)

Work of WA Artist Who Depicted Farmworkers' Lives Recognized

LA CONNER, Wash. - The exhibit of an artist who depicted the lives of farmworkers in northwest Washington has been recognized for its quality…

Almost three-quarters of nursing homes said their workforce situation had worsened since 2020, according to a recent survey.(Adobe Stock)

How Ohio Became the No. 1 State for Nursing Home Assistant Shortages

By Savanna Strott for Eye on Ohio, The Ohio Center for Journalism Broadcast version by Emily Scott for Ohio News Connection. COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio …

More than 80% of Nevada is public land owned by the federal government, which is charged with managing it for the public's benefit. (Kurt Kuznicki)

State Parks Free This Saturday for Nevada Public Lands Week

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Admission to any state park in Nevada is free this coming Saturday, as part of the first Nevada Public Lands Week - with a series …

One of Connecticut's largest job sectors is government. The growth rate gap in that sector<br />has widened and is a contributing factor in the state's weak job growth. (Adobe Stock) — One of Connecticut's largest job sectors is government. The growth rate gap in that sector
has widened and is a contributing factor in the state's weak job growth. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Connecticut's Economic Growth Still Slowed by Great Recession

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Connecticut's economy has shrunk since the 2008 Great Recession, and combined with highly inequitable wage distribution, that has …

Working Americans pay a higher tax rate on their wages than people who are wealthy pay for passive income gained through investments in stocks and bonds. (Adobe Stock)

Wealthy Coloradans Urge Congress to Raise Their Taxes

DENVER - Some 200 wealthy taxpayers and business owners, including 14 in Colorado, are asking Congress to raise their taxes. An open letter …

In the push for Congress to approve the "Build Back Better" plan, the Biden administration and plan supporters have been adamant about not raising taxes on people earning less than $400,000. (Adobe Stock)

Some Wealthy U.S. Residents Say the Rich Should Fund Biden Plan

MINNEAPOLIS -- Dozens of wealthy Americans, including some from Minnesota, are pressing Congress to boost taxes on higher-income earners, contending …

Care industry officials say there is a shortage of qualified caretakers because of low pay and poor working conditions. (LightfieldStudios/Adobe Stock)

Poll Underscores Need for Long-Term Investments for AZ Caregivers

TUCSON, Ariz. -- New polling data from a dozen states, including Arizona, show public support for a key part of the Biden administration's economic …

Social Security lifts more than one million U.S. children out of poverty, along with some 26,000 elderly residents in Wyoming. (Adobe Stock)

Economists Challenge Warnings of Social Security's Demise

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Social Security, the program credited with lifting 15 million older residents in Wyoming and across the U.S. out of poverty…

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…

Indiana ranks 44th out of 50 states for bankruptcy. (Andriy Blokhin/Adobe Stock)

Coalition Launches to Push Back Against Predatory Lending

INDIANAPOLIS -- A new coalition is forming to push back against predatory lending and urge state lawmakers to take action to protect consumers…

Solar jobs could be an avenue for Montana workers in coal-dependent sectors. (anatoliy_gleb/Adobe Stock)

Upcoming Summit Explores Clean Future for MT Energy

HELENA, Mont. - An event coming up soon looks at the prospects for clean energy in Montana. The Energy Future Summit will be held virtually Oct. 1…

In Wisconsin, the average paid caregiver's wage is $10.47 per hour. (Adobe Stock)

WI Caregivers: Poll Underscores Need for 'Build Back Better'

MADISON, Wis. - New polling data from a dozen states, including Wisconsin, show public support for a key part of the Biden administration's economic …

More than 75% of likely Michigan voters in a new poll say they think investments in caregiving fields would create economic growth. (Angelov/Adobe Stock)

MI Groups Urge Congress to Invest in 'Care Economy'

LANSING, Mich. - Groups that advocate for caregivers cite new polling data from a dozen states, including Michigan, showing public support for parts …

Students participating in a high-impact practice in their first semester are more likely to be enrolled full time, and are much more likely to be enrolled in a learning-support course, according to a Lumina Foundation study. (Adobe Stock)

High-Impact Practices Make a Difference for TN’s Community-College Students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - As the pandemic continues to pose challenges for college students across the state, research by the Lumina Foundation shows that a …

The Washington Federation of State Employees began bargaining with the state on the terms of the vaccine mandate on Aug. 16. (Damir Khabirov/Adobe Stock)

WA's Largest Public Union Reaches Pact on Vaccine Mandate

SEATTLE - Washington state's largest union of public workers has reached an agreement with the state on Gov. Jay Inslee's vaccine mandate. The deal …

A recent poll finds 56% of Michigan voters have struggled to pay a medical bill, even while they had health insurance. (everythingpossible/Adobe Stock)

Poll: Michiganders Want More Affordable Health Care

LANSING, Mich. -- As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, Michiganders are concerned about the quality of their health care, according to new research…

Since 2013, Pennsylvania's neighboring states New York, Maryland and New Jersey have all enacted legislation that puts them on a pathway to $15 minimum wages. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Increasing Minimum Wage in PA and Beyond Would Help Rebuild Economy

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- With the expanded unemployment benefits from the American Rescue Plan ending last week, a new report from the Keystone Research …

In a national survey, 50% of school transportation coordinators said the rate of pay is a major factor that affects their ability to recruit and retain school bus drivers. (Adobe Stock)

Better Pay, Community Trust Linked to School Bus Driver Shortage

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa -- Iowa school districts are reporting bus driver shortages as the academic year gets underway. Transportation officials said more …

A new law in Virginia gives local municipalities the authority to pass ordinances allowing public sector employees like teachers to form unions and collectively bargain. (Adobe Stock)

Report: VA Moves Up from 'Worst Place to Work,' Thanks to Policy Changes

RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia's made big strides over the last two years to improve employee protections, and a new report shows it moved from dead last …

Mining employment has risen by 55,000 since a trough in August 2020 but is 96,000 below a peak in January 2019, according to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.(Adobe Stock)

Creating a Future for Coal-Industry Workers in Clean-Energy Economy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- As lawmakers consider a $3.5 trillion-dollar budget resolution with historic investments to address climate change and spearhead …

President Joe Biden's American Families Plan would provide paid family leave and improved pay and working conditions for caregivers. (Satjawat/Adobe Stock)

Groups Back American Families Plan to Boost Pay for Caregivers

PHOENIX, Ariz. - A coalition of social activists and care-industry groups is calling for Congress to pass President Joe Biden's American Families …

In April 2020, SNAP enrollment in Kentucky increased by 16% due to coronavirus pandemic-related layoffs. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Pandemic EBT Grocery Money for Families Will Boost KY Economy

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- September is Hunger Action Month, and advocates say the latest round of federal Pandemic EBT and Summer EBT will give Kentucky's …

Supporters of raising the minimum wage say it would boost productivity and worker morale, but opponents say it would hurt small businesses. (AdobeStock)

What Would Raising Minimum Wage Mean for Small Businesses in Ohio?

By Kennedi CombsBroadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Ohio's minimum wage is …

Advocates say South Dakota has made progress in compensating teachers, but still lags behind neighboring states, including trailing North Dakota educators by $4,000 in annual salary. (Adobe Stock)

South Dakota Grapples with Teacher Shortage

BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. - Students across South Dakota are getting settled into the new school year, even as some districts still are trying to fill a …

Six in ten Michigan voters age 25 to 64 say they're anxious about having enough money saved for retirement. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: MI Voters Want Policymakers to Make Saving for Retirement Easier

LANSING, Mich. - More than 80% of Michigan voters age 25 to 64 think the state should make it easier for workers to save for retirement, according to …

The grant from the U.S. Department of Education for Arkansas' workforce training program also covers support services for students, such as day care, transportation and internet access. (Adobe Stock)

AR Offers Career Training for Job Seekers Affected by COVID-19

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A training program in Arkansas is helping people jumpstart new careers after feeling the economic impacts of COVID-19. The …

New Hampshire is the 15th state where people who are unemployed have filed lawsuits urging their state agencies to re-engage with the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. (Maridav/Adobe Stock)

Groups Urge NH Agency to Pay Out Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

CONCORD, N.H. -- A court hearing this week will determine whether thousands of Granite Staters can access some federal unemployment benefits that Gov…

Around 85% of more than 200 small business owners in New York feel that workplace retirement savings plans are too expensive to pay on their own, according to an AARP NY survey. (Adobe Stock)

Push is On for Stronger NY Retirement Savings Program to Become Law

ALBANY, N.Y. -- A bill to bolster the New York Secure Choice Savings Program will reach Gov. Kathy Hochul's desk in the coming months. Proponents of …

A new report finds that very low-income households make up 18% of all student loan borrowers but are only 6% of participants in the income-dependent repayment plan. (mnirat/Adobe Stock)

Advocates Press for Reform Before Student Loan Repayment Deadline

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - In January, student loan borrowers will have to start paying off their loans again, as the pandemic-related pause on payment is …

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 …

A new poll shows that Nevadans favor policies to lower deductibles and prevent insurance companies from selling junk plans. (Volgariver/Adobestock)

New Poll Indicates High Anxiety About Health-Care Costs in NV

CARSON CITY, Nev. - The rising cost of health care is a top concern for Nevadans, according to a new poll. The survey, of 600 registered voters …

Nearly 60% of Washingtonians have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

As Vaccine Misinformation Persists, Site Helps WA Union Members

SEATTLE -- Accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccine can be elusive, prompting the Washington State Labor Council to set up a website to answer …

A congressional proposal calls for several reforms for private equity firms, including more transparency in financial reporting. (Adobe Stock)

WI Plant Closure Seen as Example for Private-Equity Reform

JANESVILLE, Wis. -- A Wisconsin city that has seen its share of manufacturing jobs leave is experiencing pain again, prompting workers and financial-…

Saichelle McNeill of Charlotte (right, with daughter J'Nai) served 27 months in federal prison. Upon release, she endured rejection when she applied for jobs in laundry services, before launching Washroom Laundry. (Courtesy Saichelle McNeill/The Charlotte Post)

Formerly Incarcerated NC Woman Built Her Own Small Business

By Ashley Mahoney, Reporting for the the Charlotte Post Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan, Public News Service CHARLOTTE, N.C. - When Saichelle …

Driving on deteriorating roads costs Louisville drivers more than $1,700 a year, according to a 2020 report from TRIP, a transportation research nonprofit. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Driving on deteriorating roads costs Louisville drivers more than $1,700 a year, according to a 2020 report from TRIP, a transportation research nonprofit. (Adobe Stock)

KY Groups Rally for Infrastructure, Climate, Jobs Investments

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - When U.S. House lawmakers return to Washington this week, they're expected to vote on advancing President Joe Biden's $1.2 trillion …

About 70 percent of people over the age of 65 will need long-term services in their lifetime. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Private Long-Term Insurance Costly Alternative to WA Cares Fund

SEATTLE - Washington state has established a long-term care fund for working people, but advocates of the program are concerned about predatory …

This summer's unprecedented heat waves, droughts, fires and severe storms are occurring now, where global temperatures have only risen 1.2 degrees Celsius. Scientists project that average temperatures will rise by 2 degrees Celsius in the next two decades. (Adobe Stock)

Wyoming Business Leaders Urge Feds to Take Action on Climate

LANDER, Wyo. - Less than a decade remains to avoid potentially catastrophic impacts of a warming planet, according to the latest scientific reports…

A lightning-fast internet connection is something thousands of Arizona households just don't have. This might change if the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act gets through the U.S. House of Representatives. (xiaoliangge/Adobe Stock)

Infrastructure Plan Would Bring Broadband Access, Jobs to Arizona

TUCSON, Ariz - Advocates of broadband internet are urging the U.S. House to pass the bipartisan $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill passed by the …

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