Poverty Issues / Public News Service

Seniors on fixed incomes are more at risk of homelessness compared to other age groups. (and.one/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, February 6, 2025

WA rent stabalization bills have huge public support

New legislation in Olympia aims to ease the burden of skyrocketing rental rates by limiting yearly rent increases to 7%. Chris Walker lives in a …

According to the nonprofit Feeding Texas, one in six households in the state are food insecure. (Stella/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

$450 million available to feed Texas kids this summer

The final deadline is approaching for members of the Texas Legislature to decide on participating in the Summer EBT program, which provides grocery …

Nearly half of U.S. adults said it was at least somewhat hard for them to regularly obtain and eat nutritious foods, and 54% agreed the nation is not making enough progress in making nutritious food accessible and affordable, according to a 2024 survey from Research!America and the American Heart Association. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Revive SNAP Stretch, WV growers, consumers urge

Food advocates are calling on lawmakers to help jump-start the state's SNAP Stretch program, which was paused last year due to budget constraints…

Statewide, Medi-Cal provides medical and dental benefits for 38% of the population, or 14 million people. (Carlos/Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 3, 2025

New report shows big racial gaps in use of Medi-Cal dental benefits

A new report shows what it calls a "dental divide" in the Los Angeles area - finding that only 20% to 25% of people on Medi-Cal actually use their den…

The 2024 State of Child report reveals that in 2021, Tennessee families benefited from tax credits, with 24 percent claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit averaging $2,130, and 25 percent claiming the Child Tax Credit averaging $3,128. (Oksana Kuzmina/Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 3, 2025

Report: 20% of TN children under five live in poverty

Tennessee's "State of the Child" 2024 report shows some progress, but also highlights ongoing concerns. The report from the Tennessee Commission on …

Community action agencies are celebrating 50 years of the Earned Income Tax Credit. On average, eligible taxpayers received $2,743 from the credit in tax year 2023, according to the Internal Revenue Service. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Monday, February 3, 2025

Expanded tax credits, free tax service help MA families get ahead

Community action agencies in Massachusetts called the state's expanded tax credits "powerful antipoverty tools" and they are offering free tax prep se…

Data from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce showed, of the 2,540 students in Akron City who use EdChoice, almost 88% are

Monday, February 3, 2025

Debate intensifies over OH school vouchers as Trump advocates expansion

As Ohio's private school voucher program nears $1 billion in funding, the Trump administration is pushing to expand school choice nationwide by …

According to Feeding Indiana's Hungry, seven in 10 Hoosiers have skipped meals in the past year. (Adobe stock)

Hoosier pork program helps tackles hunger

Indiana farmers are helping food pantries meet rising demand for protein. The program helping meet the moment is not new; however, it is being …

A quarter of low-income households in the United States spend more than 15% of their income on energy bills, according to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY Power proposes new energy efficiency programs

Eastern Kentucky's largest utility, Kentucky Power, is proposing to expand its energy efficiency programs for residential and commercial customers…

Many Americans with a minimum wage or low-paying job often need a second job to make ends meet. (Seika/AdobeStock)<br />

Study reveals pros, cons of New Mexicans juggling two jobs

Millions of American workers are now juggling two jobs to make ends meet, while some moonlight to pay for extras such as vacations or hobbies…

Provider organizations in the state, including the Mississippi State Medical Association and Mississippi Hospital Association, have been supporters of Medicaid expansion. (Pixabay)

Path to Medicaid expansion in MS remains uncertain

As Mississippi lawmakers move forward with a potential Medicaid expansion, advocates said the state cannot afford further delays while thousands …

In 2022, Ohio's WIC program served an average of 160,145 participants per month, including 38,097 women, 40,358 infants and 81,690 children. (Adobe Stock)

WIC benefits in Ohio unaffected, but federal spending review sparks concern

The White House has rescinded a directive that froze federal grants and loans after a federal judge ruled it unlawful. While the freeze was lifted…

The average cost of caring for a toddler at a Washington child-care center has increased 83% in the past decade. (ink drop/Adobe Stock)

Bill would refund WA businesses for covering child care costs

New legislation in Olympia aims to ease the burden of child-care costs for Washington families by allowing businesses to help their employees pay for …

According to a Montana Department of Justice rule, Montanans who receive benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, TANF and LIEAP qualify to have certain court fees waived. (Adobe Stock)

One year later, Montana advocates celebrate protecting access to justice

Thursday marks the one-year anniversary of a Montana Supreme Court decision ensuring equal access to justice, even for people who cannot afford court …

Women now make up nearly two-thirds of the New Mexico House of Representatives, and just over one-third of the state Senate. (AdobeStock/ZackFrank)

NM's largest-ever female legislature seeks traction on bills, advocacy

A long-time New Mexico community organizer is one of several women who have put the state on the map this year for having the largest percentage of wo…

Rural communities, low-income people and BIPOC people have the least access to health care in Arkansas. (onephoto/Adobe Stock)

Work requirements could be coming for AR Medicaid recipients

Changes could be coming for Arkansans who are on Medicaid. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is proposing to add work requirements for some Medicaid …

Advocates called on lawmakers at the Oregon State Capitol to pass Food for All Oregonians, Senate Bill 611, this legislative session. (Oregon Food Bank)

New bill would extend food benefits to undocumented Oregonians

In the face of rising hunger across the state of Oregon, new legislation would extend food assistance benefits to undocumented children and older …

Ohio has nearly 750,000 lead service lines, the third-highest number in the U.S. out of over 6 million such lines still in use nationwide, according to the EPA. (PikePicture/Adobe Stock)

Ohio communities look to update water systems

Lead contamination in drinking water continues to be a significant concern in Ohio. With new federal regulations to tackle the issue, local water …

The Episcopal Health Foundation in Texas wants to change the conversation and reshape the debate around health care to focus on the nonmedical drivers of health. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe Stock)

TX lawmakers urged to make healthy living a priority during legislative session

The Episcopal Health Foundation wants Texas lawmakers to make health a priority during this legislative session. The nonprofit focuses on the …

Alabama ranks 44th nationwide in BroadbandNow's annual assessment of internet coverage, speed, and availability. (Adobe Stock)

Report highlights how Alabama can unlock rural infrastructure, broadband

A new report highlighted how regional commissions are helping improve infrastructure in rural America. According to the Brookings Institution…

Extreme weather reduces volunteer numbers, increasing challenges for shelters. Volunteers saved the St. Louis Loaves and Fishes shelter $65,000 in overhead costs last year. (kuarmungadd/Adobe/Stock)

St. Louis shelters face higher demand and fewer donations during cold snap

The recent cold snap in St. Louis has led to a surge in demand for homeless shelters, while donations have dwindled and shelters are calling on the …

The City of Dallas code states landlords must provide - and maintain in working order - heating equipment capable of maintaining an indoor temperature at least 15�F warmer than the outdoor temperature. (Nimur/Adobe Stock)

TX looks at ways to protect apartment tenants during extreme weather

Extreme weather has hit Texas over the last few weeks bringing snow to many parts of the state. During cold weather, landlords are required to …

Free lunch, breakfast could soon come to all VA students

Free school lunch and breakfast may soon be the law in the Commonwealth. House Bill 1958 would require local school boards to participate in federal …

Florida ranks fourth nationally in the share of children in rural areas covered by Medicaid/CHIP, with over 52% of rural children relying on the program for their health insurance. (Pixabay)

Medicaid cuts could devastate rural Florida, affecting children

A new report from the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families highlights the significant role Medicaid plays in ensuring healthcare acc…

A new report by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families said proposed cuts in Medicaid funding would cripple Iowa's rural health centers, where many children rely on the program for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Threatened Medicaid cuts would hurt rural Iowa kids most

Advocates for young Iowans worry proposed federal cuts could affect families who rely on Medicaid for their health care. A new national report …

Health providers in rural Colorado, which operate on thin margins, could see more uncompensated care costs if proposed Medicaid cuts clear Congress. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Medicaid cuts would disproportionately affect rural Coloradans

As the new Congress considers cutting Medicaid by more than $2 trillion, a new report details how the move would disproportionately affect rural …

At Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers, 45% of patients use Medicaid to cover their health care services. (Adobe Stock)<br />

New report: 1 in 3 kids in rural Wisconsin insured by Medicaid

As Congress considers cuts to Medicaid, a new report showed one in three children living in rural areas of Wisconsin are insured by the health …

In Peoria, Ill., 42% of the population has a credential beyond high school, although almost 65% of the jobs available in the area require a post-high school credential. (Adobe Stock)

Peoria prioritizes education to fill workforce, poverty gaps

By Laura Aka for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Illinois News Connection reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Servic…

Many rural residents in Alaska must travel long distances to see a doctor. Proposed cuts to the Medicaid program could slash funding for those trips, making access to care more difficult and expensive. (Adobe Stock)

Health care advocate says future of Medicaid critical for rural Alaskans

A new report finds that significant cuts proposed for Medicaid funding would disproportionately affect rural and small-town residents in Alaska and ma…

In 2022, 182,000 children were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP in Nebraska, almost 53% of total Medicaid recipients in the state. Last year, Nebraska expanded eligibility for kids with special needs who live with their parents. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Medicaid cuts threaten Nebraska youth

Advocates for young Nebraskans worry proposed federal cuts could affect families who rely on Medicaid for their health care. A new national report …

A new report from Georgetown University showed the effects a proposed cut to Medicaid would have on rural New Mexico, where residents already have worse health outcomes than those in cities. (Rob/Adobe Stock)

New Mexico's rural families fear proposed federal cuts to Medicaid

With President Donald Trump back in office, Congressional Republicans are eager to extend his 2017 tax cuts, which likely means slashing the Medicaid …

More than 400,000 people are enrolled in MaineCare, the state's Medicaid program, according to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. At least 40,000 recipients continue in an

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Rural ME braces for Medicaid cuts as lawmakers eye corporate tax breaks

Children and families in rural Maine would face the greatest harm should proposed funding cuts to the federal Medicaid program be implemented…

Nearly 41% of children in small towns and rural areas rely on Medicaid for their coverage, compared with about 38% in metro areas. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

TX Medicaid recipients could be facing cuts

A study by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families showed most people who live in small towns and rural areas use Medicaid for heal…

One in five people in the United States lives in an area classified as non-urban. (BJP7images/Adobe Stock)

Report: Potential Medicaid cuts would hit rural MO hardest

The Medicaid and CHIP programs are vital to rural Missouri, according to a report that says reliance on this safety-net health coverage is much …

Among adults younger than 65, about 18% of those in small towns and rural America get their coverage through Medicaid, compared with about 16% in metro areas. (AndriiKoval/Adobe Stock)

Possible cuts to Medicaid would hurt many AR families

A study by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families shows most people who live in small towns and rural areas use Medicaid for healt…

Rural Idaho children rely on Medicaid. More than 490,000 Idahoans live in rural communities. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Study: Rural Idahoans depend on Medicaid coverage

Rural communities in Idaho and other states rely heavily on Medicaid for health coverage, according to new research from the Georgetown University …

Virginians' view of the economy is still 23 points less favorable than pre-pandemic levels. (Adobe Stock)<br />

What is VA’s economic forecast for 2025?

A new State of the Commonwealth report by Old Dominion University finds Virginia had a strong year in 2024. But researchers say challenges remain…

According to the Texas Tree Foundation, the lack of trees and green spaces contributes significantly to the

TX nonprofit calls trees good for your health, cooling your neighborhood

By María Ramos Pacheco for The Dallas Morning News.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

The state's Climate and Equitable Jobs Act aims to have 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030, and 100% transition from fossil fuels by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

How IL's grid plans will focus on underserved communities

Illinois plans to spend $1.5 billion through 2027 in significant grid investments to help meet the state's ambitious clean-energy goals, with nearly …

Volunteer Hector Silva of Hunger Action Los Angeles prepares burritos for distribution to fire victims in Pasadena, Calif. (Sara Donis)

Anti-hunger groups tackle increased need during the L.A. fires

Food donations are pouring in to help victims of the Los Angeles fires, to the point donors are being asked to hold off a bit so it can all be …

Wisconsin is one of nine states where voters are required to present photo identification to vote. The current state law has been in place since 2011. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsin voter ID law one step closer to state constitution

A proposal to make Wisconsin's strict Voter ID law a constitutional amendment passed Wisconsin's Republican-controlled Assembly on Tuesday. Voters …

According to KFF Health News, roughly 77,000 Montanans were enrolled in Medicaid expansion last October, a topic expected to get a lot of attention this legislative session as the program is scheduled to expire in June. (Adobe Stock)

Groups rally at MT Capitol to maintain Medicaid expansion

A coalition of Montana groups will rally at the Capitol Wednesday to advocate for the protection of Medicaid expansion, which legislators will debate …

The 2025 Idaho legislative session began Jan. 6. (Tracy King/Adobe Stock)

Medicaid expansion in play as ID Legislature gavels in

With state lawmakers back in Boise, changes could be coming to Medicaid. Voters approved Medicaid expansion in 2018, but Republican legislators have …

About 20 million people, nearly one in 12 adults, owe medical debt, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker. (Adobe Stock)

Medical debt to be removed from credit reports

Nevada has about 170,000 adults who report medical debt, which can pose a significant financial hardship. But a new federal rule could ease some …

During 2024, 71,864 Kentucky residents enrolled in a health plan through the insurance marketplace, according to the health advocacy group KFF. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Kentuckians’ health insurance tax credits set to expire at end of 2025

This Wednesday is the deadline to enroll in Affordable Care Act marketplace health coverage. Advocates say this year is even more critical for …

Colorado's safety-net community health centers deliver coordinated dental, medical and behavioral health care. (Adobe Stock)<br />

CO community health centers saved $17.3 million in Medicare dollars

The Community Health Provider Alliance improved health care quality and saved $17.3 million in taxpayer money that would have been paid out by Medicar…

Colorado lawmakers are hoping better coordination between state agencies, local governments and nonprofits can prevent and reduce homelessness. (Adobe Stock)

Number of CO homeless families up by 134% in single year

The number of Colorado families experiencing homelessness rose by 134%, from 3,600 in 2023 to more than 8,500 families in 2024, according to new …

Patients collectively spent more than 57,000 days in Oregon hospitals in 2024. (DC Studio/Adobe Stock)

Task force tackles Oregon's hospital 'boarding' problem

Oregonians who are ready to leave the hospital but still require care do not have enough places to go, affecting providers and patients at all levels…

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Poverty Issues

WA rent stabalization bills have huge public support

$450 million available to feed Texas kids this summer

Revive SNAP Stretch, WV growers, consumers urge

New report shows big racial gaps in use of Medi-Cal dental benefits

Report: 20% of TN children under five live in poverty

Expanded tax credits, free tax service help MA families get ahead

Debate intensifies over OH school vouchers as Trump advocates expansion

Hoosier pork program helps tackles hunger

KY Power proposes new energy efficiency programs

Study reveals pros, cons of New Mexicans juggling two jobs

Path to Medicaid expansion in MS remains uncertain

WIC benefits in Ohio unaffected, but federal spending review sparks concern

Bill would refund WA businesses for covering child care costs

One year later, Montana advocates celebrate protecting access to justice

NM's largest-ever female legislature seeks traction on bills, advocacy

Work requirements could be coming for AR Medicaid recipients

New bill would extend food benefits to undocumented Oregonians

Ohio communities look to update water systems

TX lawmakers urged to make healthy living a priority during legislative session

Report highlights how Alabama can unlock rural infrastructure, broadband

St. Louis shelters face higher demand and fewer donations during cold snap

TX looks at ways to protect apartment tenants during extreme weather

Free lunch, breakfast could soon come to all VA students

Medicaid cuts could devastate rural Florida, affecting children

Report: Threatened Medicaid cuts would hurt rural Iowa kids most

Report: Medicaid cuts would disproportionately affect rural Coloradans

New report: 1 in 3 kids in rural Wisconsin insured by Medicaid

Peoria prioritizes education to fill workforce, poverty gaps

Health care advocate says future of Medicaid critical for rural Alaskans

Report: Medicaid cuts threaten Nebraska youth

New Mexico's rural families fear proposed federal cuts to Medicaid

Rural ME braces for Medicaid cuts as lawmakers eye corporate tax breaks

TX Medicaid recipients could be facing cuts

Report: Potential Medicaid cuts would hit rural MO hardest

Possible cuts to Medicaid would hurt many AR families

Study: Rural Idahoans depend on Medicaid coverage

What is VA’s economic forecast for 2025?

TX nonprofit calls trees good for your health, cooling your neighborhood

How IL's grid plans will focus on underserved communities

Anti-hunger groups tackle increased need during the L.A. fires

Wisconsin voter ID law one step closer to state constitution

Groups rally at MT Capitol to maintain Medicaid expansion

Medicaid expansion in play as ID Legislature gavels in

Medical debt to be removed from credit reports

Kentuckians’ health insurance tax credits set to expire at end of 2025

CO community health centers saved $17.3 million in Medicare dollars

Number of CO homeless families up by 134% in single year

Task force tackles Oregon's hospital 'boarding' problem