Poverty Issues / Public News Service

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 …

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 …

Children who have access to good early childhood education are far less likely to go to prison, while children of those incarcerated are far more likely to end up in the criminal-justice system. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 20, 2022

$240 Million Prison Project Draws Criticism

Critics of Gov. Pete Ricketts' call for the Nebraska Legislature to fund a new prison argue the money would be better invested in programs with …

Child well-being in New Mexico was steadily improving prior to the onset of the pandemic, according to a new report from the state's Voices for Children. (AlexandraKoch/Pixabay)

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Report: NM's Hispanic Families Hurt Most by Pandemic

New Mexico's families of color, Hispanic families in particular, have been hit hardest by income losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to …

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 …

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 …

George Floyd's killing in 2020 sparked massive protests, in Seattle and across the country, to spotlight the need for racial justice. (SoundersBruce/Wikimedia Commons)

NW Racial Equity Struggle in Focus on MLK Day

The quest for greater racial equity in the Northwest is in the spotlight today on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and it's part of the mission of one …

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…

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…

In Texas, 16% of residents say the COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe financial suffering. (islandworks/Pixabay)

TX Survey: Hispanics Suffer Greatest Financial Hardship from COVID-19

Half of Texas residents say COVID-19 has caused them financial hardship, and Hispanic families faced the most severe consequences, according to a new …

Around 40% of kids ages 12-17 and 10% of those ages 5-11 have been vaccinated, according to the Mayo Clinic's U.S. COVID Vaccine Tracker. (Adobe Stock)

KY Parents Urged to Make "Game Plan” for Kids’ COVID Shots

The Food and Drug Administration this week has authorized Pfizer booster shots for kids ages 12 to 15, as well as a third shot for younger children …

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 …

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 …

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…

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 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 number of Texas foster children in temporary lodgings rose from 47 in August 2020 to roughly 400 a year later, while the average length of stay increased from 3.6 nights to 18 nights, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. (wokandapix/Pixabay) <br /> — The number of Texas foster children in temporary lodgings rose from 47 in August 2020 to roughly 400 a year later, while the average length of stay increased from 3.6 nights to 18 nights, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. (wokandapix/Pixabay)

TX Children's Advocates Want Foster Care System Fixed ASAP

The Texas foster-care system is suffering a severe shortage of safe and appropriate placement homes, resulting in an expert panel being convened to …

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 …

Among extremely low income households in Montana, about nine in 10 spend more than 30% of their income on housing. (BillionPhotos.com/Adobe Stock)

Build Back Better Act Could Help Address MT Housing Crisis, Advocates Say

Like many states across the country, Montana is facing a housing crisis. One organization says policies in the Build Back Better Act, still in …

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 …

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…

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 …

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 …

President Joe Biden's Build Back Better bill would have reauthorized the expanded Child Tax Credit but is now in jeopardy after Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., reversed his support. (marcinjozwiak/Pixabay)

Endangered Tax Credit Impacts Thousands of New Mexico Children

Expansion of the Child Tax Credit during the COVID-19 pandemic has made a huge difference for many New Mexico families, but payments will not resume …

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 …

Research from the Urban Institute has found expanding the federal Child Tax Credit would decrease child poverty by 40% nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

End of Child Tax Credit Payments a Worry for WV Families

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The final round of the federal government's Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments ends today, unless Congress votes to extend them …

No matter where you live in Maryland, the Maryland Health Connection website offers a choice of plans from multiple insurance companies. (Adobe stock)

New MD Law, Biden Plan Cut Health-Insurance Costs

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Maryland's health insurance open enrollment period runs through Jan. 15, and whether you are younger or older, extra financial …

Fewer than one-in-five workers in the United States has access to paid family leave. (Adobe Stock)

MD Paid Leave Supporters: It's Time for the Time to Care Act

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Advocacy groups say a paid leave proposal in Maryland would provide peace of mind for workers, especially those with disabilities …

Hunger and poverty go hand in hand in New Mexico, where 83% of families experiencing hunger earn $20,000 or less a year. (rrfb.org)

Stepping Up for NM's Food Insecure as Winter Holidays Approach

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Whether it's seniors, people with children, students or the working poor, vulnerable populations across New Mexico are …

Maywood Mayor Nathaniel Booker joined the governor to announce funding for water assistance. (Office of J.B Pritzker)

Financial Assistance Available for Stopping Water Shutoffs in IL

CHICAGO -- Illinois residents struggling to pay utility bills can apply for assistance through the state, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced this week $…

Even though Wyoming officials have tried to prioritize mental-health care for youths, many facilities are having difficulties keeping their doors open due to budget cuts. (Adobe Stock)

Holiday Poses Challenges for Foster Youths Aging Out of System

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Young people in Wyoming who have not been adopted officially age out of the foster-care system when they turn 18, joining 24,000 …

More than 2.8 million Americans signed up for health insurance coverage through the online marketplace during the 2021 Special Enrollment Period. (onephoto/Adobe Stock)

Mainers Could Get Help Paying ACA Marketplace Plan Premiums

AUGUSTA, Maine -- With open enrollment deadlines for the Affordable Care Act marketplace approaching, groups are urging Mainers to make sure they've …

There are currently 80,000 Colorado college students eligible for full SNAP benefits, the program formerly known as food stamps. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Struggles to Get Students Back into College

DENVER -- Women and low-income students disproportionately put their college careers on hold during the pandemic, according to a new report. Of the 1…

About three in five kids in foster care return home to their parents or other family members.<br />(avtk/Adobe Stock) — About three in five kids in foster care return home to their parents or other family members.
(avtk/Adobe Stock)

Evolution of Ohio's Children Services System, Part 3: The Future

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In a system plagued by a history of disparities, Ohio's child-welfare workers and children's advocates say it is time to reimagine …

Poverty can be misconstrued as neglect. (Adobe Stock)

Evolution of Ohio's Children Services System, Part 2: The Present

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As policymakers and child-welfare leaders move to transform the foster-care system, advocates say there are misconceptions about …

Recent research shows the mentally ill and drug addicted account for only about one quarter of the homeless population, while families with children make up one third and are the fastest-growing segment. (vinsky2002/Pixabay)

NM Eviction Moratorium to End, Homelessness Spike Worrisome

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Tents and sleeping bags not only make living on the streets more bearable this time of year, they can often mean the difference …

The nonprofit Feeding America says in 2021, about 13 million children in the United States likely lived in households that were food insecure. (New Mom/ISO Republic)

'Food, Funds and Friends': WI Food Pantries Seek Holiday Support

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - Wisconsin's food charities are preparing for a possible spike in demand heading into the holiday season. From the end of federal …

Advocates for children and families say the Build Back Better Act would improve Medicaid and CHIP, the federal Children's Health Insurance Program (Evgeniy Kalinovskiy/Adobe Stock)

Report: Build Back Better Would Help NH Children, Families

CONCORD, N.H. -- Health advocates are pressing the U.S. Senate to pass the Build Back Better Act, after it cleared the House last month. It would …

From 1980 to 2019, Tennessee's jail incarceration rate increased 319%, according to the Vera Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Shelby County Pretrial System Under Scrutiny, Calls for Reform

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Legal advocacy groups in Tennessee have asked Shelby County Court officials to change their bail and pretrial detention practices…

About one in 10 births in the U.S. happens in Texas, but the state's maternal mortality rate is 6% higher than the U.S. rate overall. (regina_zulauf/Pixabay)

Build Back Better Would Close Gap in TX Kids' Health Coverage

HOUSTON -- Children's advocates say the difficulty in providing health coverage for poor families in Texas could be largely solved if the Build Back B…

Healthcare provisions in The Build Back Better Act would increase Medicaid and CHIP coverage for people after a pregnancy, from 60 days to one year postpartum. (Adobe Stock)

Report: 'Build Back Better' Could Shrink NC Health Coverage Gap

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Many low-income North Carolinians without health insurance would quality for 'zero-dollar' out-of-pocket health coverage under a new …

A majority of Republican likely voters support taxing billionaires' stock-market gains, which currently are not taxed until sold. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Democrats, Independents, Republicans Support Taxing Billionaires

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nearly seven in ten Americans say billionaires are not paying their fair share in taxes, according to a new survey. Among likely …

Families of three making less than $45,000 a year are eligible for Missouri's Medicaid and CHIP programs. (H_Ko)

Groups: Build Back Better Could Improve Health Outcomes for MO Children

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Health advocates are pressing the U.S. Senate to pass the Build Back Better Act after it passed the House last month. The bill …

Potential in Congress to Close TN Health-Coverage Gap

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Many low-income Tennesseans without health insurance would quality for 'zero-dollar' out-of-pocket health coverage under a new …

Healthcare advocacy groups say increasing Medicaid postpartum coverage up to one year after a child's birth can help decrease maternal mortality rates, which disproportionately affect people of color. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Build Back Better's CHIP, Medicaid Changes Support NY Families

ALBANY, N.Y. -- The $1.75 trillion Build Back Better Act will soon get a vote in the U.S. Senate, and in New York, advocates say it could mean major …

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PNS Daily Newscast - January 21, 2022

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Poverty

ND Opts to Return Much of Federal Rent-Relief Funding

Health-Care Affordability in Spotlight During 2022 WA Session

MD People's Commission Lists Legislative Priorities for 2022

$240 Million Prison Project Draws Criticism

Report: NM's Hispanic Families Hurt Most by Pandemic

Fewer Colorado Families Living in Poverty Receive TANF Cash Assistance

WA Baby Bond Program Aims to Address Wealth Gap

NW Racial Equity Struggle in Focus on MLK Day

Dental Reimbursements Could Improve Access for MN Kids

Child-Care Conundrum Presents Hurdles for OR Families

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

TX Survey: Hispanics Suffer Greatest Financial Hardship from COVID-19

KY Parents Urged to Make "Game Plan” for Kids’ COVID Shots

Nebraska Denies Emergency Assistance to 90% of Poor Families

Colorado to Invest $400 Million in Affordable Housing

Data Reveals Promising Drop in Ohio Child Poverty

ME Minimum Wage Now 60 Cents Higher Than Last Year

Groups Scour 2022 Utah Budget for Funds to Fight Hunger

TX Children's Advocates Want Foster Care System Fixed ASAP

WV Families Anticipate More Mental, Financial Stress in New Year

Build Back Better Act Could Help Address MT Housing Crisis, Advocates Say

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

Virginia Supporters: Build Back Better Essential for Workers

Families Face Winter Evictions Across Nebraska

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

Winter Crisis Program Offers Gift of Warmth

Endangered Tax Credit Impacts Thousands of New Mexico Children

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

End of Child Tax Credit Payments a Worry for WV Families

New MD Law, Biden Plan Cut Health-Insurance Costs

MD Paid Leave Supporters: It's Time for the Time to Care Act

Stepping Up for NM's Food Insecure as Winter Holidays Approach

Financial Assistance Available for Stopping Water Shutoffs in IL

Holiday Poses Challenges for Foster Youths Aging Out of System

Mainers Could Get Help Paying ACA Marketplace Plan Premiums

Colorado Struggles to Get Students Back into College

Evolution of Ohio's Children Services System, Part 3: The Future

Evolution of Ohio's Children Services System, Part 2: The Present

NM Eviction Moratorium to End, Homelessness Spike Worrisome

'Food, Funds and Friends': WI Food Pantries Seek Holiday Support

Report: Build Back Better Would Help NH Children, Families

Shelby County Pretrial System Under Scrutiny, Calls for Reform

Build Back Better Would Close Gap in TX Kids' Health Coverage

Report: 'Build Back Better' Could Shrink NC Health Coverage Gap

Survey: Democrats, Independents, Republicans Support Taxing Billionaires

Groups: Build Back Better Could Improve Health Outcomes for MO Children

Potential in Congress to Close TN Health-Coverage Gap

Advocates: Build Back Better's CHIP, Medicaid Changes Support NY Families