Poverty Issues / Public News Service

Children living near refineries, highways and other sources of air pollution are disproportionately at risk of developing respiratory illness. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Connecting CO Health Outcomes to Climate Solutions, Lower Utility Bills

A successful program that helps low-income households weatherize homes and lower energy bills is setting its sights on improving the health outcomes o…

The city-run Engagement Center is a low-barrier day facility, which serves a few hundred people each day from the nearby

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Engagement Center Finding Success Near Boston’s Troubled 'Mass and Cass'

Boston's 'Mass and Cass' area, with its large homeless population and open-air drug market, remains a trouble spot for city officials, but staff at …

The United Way of King County's free tax-preparation program has entered its 20th year. (Rick/Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 28, 2022

WA Tax Program Puts Out Call for Volunteers as Year Ends

It may seem early, but programs across the country are preparing to help people with their 2022 income tax returns. In Washington state, United Way …

The Echo Park Trash Club is staffed by a rotating cast of volunteers. Two similar clubs have now formed in the Silver Lake and Lincoln Heights neighborhoods of Los Angeles. (Echo Park Trash Club)

Monday, November 28, 2022

L.A. 'Trash Club' Helps Unhoused People and the Community

By Caroline Tracey for High Country News.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Networ…

Numerous utility companies in New York such as Con-Edison, NYSEG and RG&E are expecting to see higher bill prices, as energy costs have increased. Specifically, Con Edison is expecting a 32% increase from the previous year in bills for natural-gas users, and NYSEG's natural gas customers might see a 47% increase in their bills. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 28, 2022

NYS Legislation Gives Ratepayers Voice in Utility Increases

A bill passed by the New York State Legislature would provide ratepayers with a voice in utility rate increases. The utility intervenor bill would …

One in eight people in North Carolina faces hunger, according to Feeding America. (Adobe Stock)<br />

NC Food Justice Advocates, Faith Leaders ‘Come to the Table’ to Address Hunger

Food pantries run by rural churches are often a lifeline for older, retired residents or those living with a disability. Come to the Table is a …

One in eight individuals in Wyoming, and one in six children, do not know where their next meal will come from. (Adobe Stock)

Food Bank Ramps Up Thanksgiving Food Assistance

Turkeys and other holiday standards are still available for struggling families through food pantries, senior centers, school districts and other …

A 2020 Government Accountability Office report found the IRS had not revoked a hospital's nonprofit status on the basis of providing inadequate community benefits, or charity care, over the prior ten years. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Hospital Charity Care Could Help More Mainers Avoid Medical Debt

Maine requires its hospitals to provide medically necessary care to its residents at no charge as a condition of receiving tax-exempt status…

Western Nebraska is home to food deserts, where there is no easy way to get good, healthy food regularly, which disproportionately impact seniors in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

Reimagining Ways to Get Struggling Nebraska Families Back on Track

With a new legislative session on the horizon and new legislators after the November elections, the Coalition for a Strong Nebraska is bringing …

The expansion of tax credits and free school meals during COVID-19 temporarily lifted more than three-million children out of poverty during the latter half of 2021, according to a Child Trends report. (disha1980/AdobeStock)

Study: Lifting Children Out of Poverty Losing Momentum

A new study found progress made to reduce child poverty over the past 25 years in the U.S. is at risk of stalling or being reversed. Child poverty …

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 …

On a typical night, about 580,000 Americans are considered homeless. (Victoria/Adobe Stock)

Oregonians Recognize Hunger, Homelessness Awareness Week

As the cold weather settles in and some families make plans for the holidays, others are recognizing Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week this week…

A public-health state of emergency had been in place in Washington state since February 2020. (fabrus/Adobe Stock)

Fallout Reverberates from End of WA Pandemic Emergency Declaration

Washington state has ended its COVID-19 state of emergency, and that's having effects on the public benefits people were relying on to get through …

The expanded Child Tax Credit offered families between $300 and $360 per month per child, which helped lift an estimated 3.7 million children out of poverty, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. (Adobe Stock)<br />

As Prices Climb, WV Families Face Hardship without Child Tax Credit

Some parents said they have struggled to make ends meet after federal monthly Child Tax Credit payments of between $300 and $360 a month per child sto…

Proposition FF includes grants school districts can use to purchase locally produced food, which proponents argued will help support local farmers and strengthen regional food systems. (Adobe Stock)

Proponents: Prop FF Key to Reducing Hunger in Colorado Springs

Proposition FF on Colorado's November ballot aims to ensure all students can access healthy, nutritious food at school, at no cost to families…

The expanded Child Tax Credit went out to parents of 60 million children when it started in July 2021. (Aleksei Potov/Adobe Stock)

Campaign to Reinstate Child Tax Credit Program for WA Families

The expanded Child Tax Credit lifted 3.7 million kids out of poverty in the United States, including many in Washington. The tax credit expired last …

If Congress reinstates the Child Tax Credit, a family with one child under six would<br />receive an annual $3,600,, providing significant help to cope with rising food and energy prices. (Adobe Stock)

Inflation Relief Payments Not Enough to Help ME Families in Need

With food and energy prices soaring, the one-time $850 inflation relief checks for Mainers could not arrive at a better time, but advocates for low-…

A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research estimates permanently expanding the child tax credit would cost $97 billion per year. But, it would generate social benefits with net present value of $982 billion per year. (Adobe Stock)

VA Families Urge Revival of Child Tax Credit

It's been about a year since Virginia families last received funds from the U.S. Child Tax Credit, and they want it to be reinstated. According to …

In 2022, almost 250,000 Michigan residents purchased their health coverage online through the Affordable Care Act health insurance exchange. (Maksym Yemelyanov/Adobe Stock)

Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Begins Nov. 1 in Michigan

Open-enrollment season for health insurance is upon us, and Michiganders who want to get the right kinds of coverage have a lot to consider. More …

In 2022, almost 260,000 Utah residents purchased their health coverage online through the Affordable Care Act health insurance exchange. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Utah Open Enrollment Begins Nov. 1 for Health Coverage

Open-enrollment season for health insurance is upon us, and Utahns who want to get the right kinds of coverage have a lot to consider. More than 300,…

The average value of home weatherization installation, including appliance replacement, attic insulation and more, is over $4,000, according to National Grid. (Adobe Stock)

Keeping Out the Cold: Weatherization Help for Those in Need

Community service agencies say many low- and moderate-income homes in the Commonwealth are unprepared for the winter cold and could benefit from a num…

The 2022 Kids Count report found 56% of New Mexico three- and four-year-olds are not in preschool, the lowest ranking in the nation. (Susan Warner/savethechildren.org)

NM Voters to Decide Major Funding Shift for Early Childhood Education

In educational performance, New Mexico consistently ranks at or near the bottom among the 50 states, but it could change if an influx of dedicated …

Business owners who favor raising the minimum wage argue it will pay off in lower employee turnover, lower hiring and training costs, increased productivity, and better customer service. (Adobe Stock)

Small Businesses Back Minimum-Wage Initiative on Ballot

Nearly 300 Nebraska business owners and executives across the state have gone on record in support of ballot Initiative 433, which would gradually …

Tenants' unions provide space to air grievances and discuss ways to advocate for better conditions for renters. (Adobe Stock)

Ohioans Cope with Rising Rents

By Jala Forest/Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Rents have been rising fast …

About 227,000 Missouri kids live in poverty. (Adobe Stock)

Programs Target Improving Economic Security for Missouri Families

Missouri has made strides in recent years when it comes to the economic stability of families, but advocates stressed there is more work to be done…

Medicare provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act are projected to reduce the federal deficit by $237 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Biden’s Medicare Move Projected to Lower Drug Prices, Federal Deficit

Over the next 10 years, some 64 million people on Medicare, and American taxpayers, will save $100 billion, thanks to provisions in President Joe …

Coalition Launches Innovative Health and Housing Facility

Doors are now open at a new hybrid health care and housing facility, expected to help some 500 people experiencing homelessness each year recuperate …

As of 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Keystone State is home to more than 600,000 union members. (Sittinan/Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Workers Benefit from Tight Labor Market, Unions

The latest research on the "State of Working Pennsylvania" says a tight labor market and new levels of union organizing are offering new opportunities…

The U.S. Army had its highest number of active duty personnel in 2020, according to Statista.com. (PatouRicard/Pixabay)

TX Writer: Low-Income Youths Targeted for Military Service

By Aina Marzia for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for Texas News Service reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service Collaboration …

According to MASSCAP, a single-family household in the Commonwealth could be facing more than $3,000 in home heating-oil costs to make it through the winter. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Preparing for Low Temperatures, High Energy Costs in MA

Community service agencies say requests for home heating assistance were increasing even before National Grid - the power company that serves many in …

Native American and Black households are twice as likely to experience energy insecurity than white households. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Inflation Reduction Act Good First Step for Low-income Energy Needs

President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act has been billed as the most significant legislation in U.S. history to tackle the climate crisis…

Grocery stores participating in the Double Up Food Bucks program in Oregon stretch from Astoria to Ontario. (olinchuk/Adobe Stock)

Some OR Farmers Markets Pack Up, But Fresh Food Program Still Available

As the weather gets cooler, some farmers markets in Oregon are winding down. But a program which incentivizes buying fresh fruits and vegetables is …

Americans have had to pay two to three times more for their medications than people in other countries pay for the same drugs. (Adobe Stock)

Lower Drug Prices Expected After Biden Medicare Move

Some 930,000 Colorado Medicare recipients will save money on medications starting next year, thanks to provisions in President Joe Biden's Inflation …

In recent years, a range of studies and reports show Minnesota has some of the worst racial disparities in the nation, including in the areas of homeownership and education. (Adobe Stock)

MN Groups Brainstorm Ways to Address Poverty Disparities

On the heels of a regional conference, multiple groups are working on new solutions for reducing the poverty gap in Minnesota. Nonprofits, …

If voters approve Initiative Measure 433, once the wage reaches $15 an hour it will be adjusted every year to account for any increases in the cost of living. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska Voters to Decide Wage Floor for Workers

Ballots for the November election are headed to mailboxes across the state, and Nebraska voters will get to decide if the state's minimum wage should …

Food insecurity among adults ages 65 and older living alone reached the highest rates in 20 years between 2020 and 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Millions of Older Adults Experience Food Insecurity

Some 35 million people in Wyoming and across the U.S. struggle to put food on the table, and older adults experiencing food insecurity face numerous …

According to the Richmond Eviction Lab, several parts of the city's Southside neighborhood saw 67 percent of eviction filings during the first quarter of 2022. (Jon Anders Wilken/Adobe Stock)

Evictions in VA Continue to Grow

Evictions are on the rise in Virginia after numerous protections provided by federal and state rental assistance programs ended. According to the …

More than 726,000 people, including almost 224,000 children, are facing hunger in Indiana, according to the nonprofit Feeding America. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Investment to Boost Emergency Food Aid in Indiana

Amid struggles with higher food and transportation costs, fewer donations and increased demand, food banks in Indiana will soon have additional …

Child poverty ebbed and flowed after hitting 17% in 2009. Since 2017, it has been on the decline, falling to 5.2% in 2021, the lowest rate in history. (Adobe Stock)

CT Child Poverty Unchanged, Census Report Says

Connecticut's child poverty statistics have remained the same throughout 2021, according to the latest Census Bureau report. Nationally, child …

Grant Program to Fund Innovative Solutions to Rural Child Hunger

Child hunger is a persistent problem in California and across the U.S., especially in rural areas, and now, a new grant program will promote and fund …

Arkansas ranks fifth for the per capita number of households with children that reported not having enough food in their homes this past year, according to a U.S. Census Bureau survey. (Oksana Kuzmina/AdobeStock)

Group Develops Ways to Combat Rural Child Hunger

Save the Children's Rural Child Hunger Research and Innovation Lab aims to help communities design and test new, creative ways to reduce rural child …

Kids have been heavily impacted by the pandemic. Advocates are in Washington, D.C., to bring attention to the issues. (Sergey Novikov/Adobe Stock)

Child Advocates Meet with Leaders in DC, Call for Investments in Kids

Advocates for child well-being are in the nation's capital today, calling on lawmakers to invest in children. The Save the Children advocacy summit …

In Tennessee, more than 800,000 people are facing hunger, and more than 230,000 of them are children. (Africa Studio/AdobeStock)

Advocates Calling on Congress for Better Investment in Kids

Advocates for children's well-being are in Washington, D.C. today, calling on lawmakers to invest in kids. The Save the Children advocacy summit is …

Persons with health insurance in Gwinnett County including children make up 82.3% of the population, meaning 17.7% are uninsured. (Gwinnett Coalition)

Gwinnett Coalition Improves Health-Care Access For Residents

Gwinnett County's uninsured population of 15.6% is slightly higher than the state rate of 15.3%, according to 2020 U.S. census data. Renee Byrd-…

According to Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap report, nine out of 10 counties with the highest food insecurity rates are rural. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Innovation Lab Aims to Spur Creative Solutions to End Child Hunger

A new initiative is providing funding to individuals and grassroots groups across the Commonwealth with creative solutions to reduce hunger among rura…

Advocates for the poor say the Covid pandemic revealed effective tools to reduce poverty in America. (Adobe Stock)

We Know What Works: How Covid Showed Ways to End Poverty

Childhood poverty was cut nearly in half during the Covid pandemic due to expanded federal programs like the child tax credit, and stimulus payments…

Analysts say had the federal government not temporarily expanded the Child Tax Credit, child poverty would have fallen to 8.1% last year, rather than 5.2%. (Adobe Stock)

Policy Expert: Good News on Poverty Should Be the Norm

On the heels of a promising poverty report, there are renewed calls to make permanent certain pandemic policies that helped struggling families in …

About one in four Ohioans filters in and out of poverty, and can't seem to stay above the Federal Poverty Line, according to the latest research. (Adobe Stock)

'More People Are Poor Than the Poverty Rate Says'

More than 1.4 million people in the Buckeye State live in poverty, according to the 2022 State of Poverty in Ohio report. The Ohio Association of …

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PNS Daily Newscast - November 29, 2022

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Poverty

Connecting CO Health Outcomes to Climate Solutions, Lower Utility Bills

Engagement Center Finding Success Near Boston’s Troubled 'Mass and Cass'

WA Tax Program Puts Out Call for Volunteers as Year Ends

L.A. 'Trash Club' Helps Unhoused People and the Community

NYS Legislation Gives Ratepayers Voice in Utility Increases

NC Food Justice Advocates, Faith Leaders ‘Come to the Table’ to Address Hunger

Food Bank Ramps Up Thanksgiving Food Assistance

Hospital Charity Care Could Help More Mainers Avoid Medical Debt

Reimagining Ways to Get Struggling Nebraska Families Back on Track

Study: Lifting Children Out of Poverty Losing Momentum

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

Oregonians Recognize Hunger, Homelessness Awareness Week

Fallout Reverberates from End of WA Pandemic Emergency Declaration

As Prices Climb, WV Families Face Hardship without Child Tax Credit

Proponents: Prop FF Key to Reducing Hunger in Colorado Springs

Campaign to Reinstate Child Tax Credit Program for WA Families

Inflation Relief Payments Not Enough to Help ME Families in Need

VA Families Urge Revival of Child Tax Credit

Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Begins Nov. 1 in Michigan

Utah Open Enrollment Begins Nov. 1 for Health Coverage

Keeping Out the Cold: Weatherization Help for Those in Need

NM Voters to Decide Major Funding Shift for Early Childhood Education

Small Businesses Back Minimum-Wage Initiative on Ballot

Ohioans Cope with Rising Rents

Programs Target Improving Economic Security for Missouri Families

Biden’s Medicare Move Projected to Lower Drug Prices, Federal Deficit

Coalition Launches Innovative Health and Housing Facility

Report: PA Workers Benefit from Tight Labor Market, Unions

TX Writer: Low-Income Youths Targeted for Military Service

Preparing for Low Temperatures, High Energy Costs in MA

Inflation Reduction Act Good First Step for Low-income Energy Needs

Some OR Farmers Markets Pack Up, But Fresh Food Program Still Available

Lower Drug Prices Expected After Biden Medicare Move

MN Groups Brainstorm Ways to Address Poverty Disparities

Nebraska Voters to Decide Wage Floor for Workers

Millions of Older Adults Experience Food Insecurity

Evictions in VA Continue to Grow

Federal Investment to Boost Emergency Food Aid in Indiana

CT Child Poverty Unchanged, Census Report Says

Grant Program to Fund Innovative Solutions to Rural Child Hunger

Group Develops Ways to Combat Rural Child Hunger

Child Advocates Meet with Leaders in DC, Call for Investments in Kids

Advocates Calling on Congress for Better Investment in Kids

Gwinnett Coalition Improves Health-Care Access For Residents

Innovation Lab Aims to Spur Creative Solutions to End Child Hunger

We Know What Works: How Covid Showed Ways to End Poverty

Policy Expert: Good News on Poverty Should Be the Norm

'More People Are Poor Than the Poverty Rate Says'