Poverty Issues / Public News Service

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)

Thursday, September 23, 2021

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…

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)

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

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…

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 …

Rachel Winn, right, says her new van should be handicap accessible for her son by November. (Rural Dynamics)

Monday, September 20, 2021

Program Helps Montanans with Disabilities Afford Assistive Tech

HELENA, Mont. - It can be hard for people with disabilities to afford the assistive technology they need to perform daily activities. A program in …

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 …

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…

More than 42 million Americans may experience food insecurity because of the pandemic, according to the nonprofit Feeding America. (Waseem Ali Khan/Adobe Stock)

Groups Fighting Hunger Call for Action This Month

PORTLAND, Ore. - Groups fighting hunger and poverty in Oregon are urging renewed action this month to ensure that everyone is fed. September is …

Richmond is among the top 10 on Eviction Lab's list of cities with the highest rates of people being evicted from their homes. (Adobe Stock)

VA Leads Nation in Federal Rental-Assistance Distribution

RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia has distributed a larger share of the rental funds it received than any other state in the country, and housing advocates …

Food Insecurity Rose for Single Moms, Families of Color in 2020

DENVER - The rate of people experiencing hunger in Colorado and across the U.S. remained statistically steady overall during 2020, according to …

As the federal eviction moratorium ended this month, organizations including Arkansans for Stronger Communities have written to Gov. Asa Hutchinson, calling for the state to do a better job at getting the $173 million it received from the federal government in rental assistance to communities in need. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Lawsuit Challenges AR 'Failure to Vacate' Statute Against Renters

MALVERN, Ark. -- Arkansas is the only state in the country with what's known as a "failure to vacate" statute, which criminalizes the failure to pay …

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 …

Utah housing advocates recommend that tenants who face possible eviction or are negotiating back rent with a landlord should contact an attorney to help protect their rights. (Vitali Votelaskyi/Adobe Stock)

End of Federal Eviction Moratorium Puts Pressure on Utah Renters

SALT LAKE CITY -- Since the end of the federal eviction moratorium in August, renters in Utah who are behind on their payments may be forced to …

Minnesota has bolstered "lunch-shaming" protections for students. But advocates say the state still ranks the near the bottom in using federal funds that allow low-income districts to offer universal lunches. (Adobe Stock)

Focus on Universal Meals, Preventing 'Lunch Shaming' as MN Students Return

MINNEAPOLIS -- More Minnesota school districts are welcoming back students this week. Because of the pandemic, schools are receiving federal aid to …

Some seniors experiencing food insecurity collect too much in Social Security benefits to qualify for federal SNAP (food stamp) benefits, and must rely on a local food bank to tide them over. (Queen/Pixabay)

Albuquerque Food Bank Joins National Hunger Action Month

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The number of people struggling to put food on the table in New Mexico has decreased since the onset of the pandemic, but those …

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 …

An analysis from McKinsey suggests the learning gap from COVID may result in students earning $49,000 to $61,000 less income over their lifetime. (Andy Dean/Adobe Stock)

Without Mask, Vaccine Mandates, Moms Choose Between Jobs, Kids’ Health

By Katie Fleischer for Ms. Magazine. Broadcast version by Lily Bohlke for California News Service. Reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News Service …

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…

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 …

Research has found SNAP benefits cover 43% to 60% of what it costs to eat meals consistent with federal guidelines for what constitutes a healthy diet. (Adobe Stock)

SNAP Benefit Boost Could Help More TN Families Afford Healthy Diet

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Advocates say the USDA's recent 25% Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit increase, slated to go into effect …

This week, state Sen. Katie Muth, D-Moyersford, and Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia, started circulating memos in the General Assembly seeking sponsorship of bills to increase TANF benefits to 50% of the federal poverty level. (Annie Spratt/Unsplash)

Report: TANF Benefits Vital for PA, But Program Needs Overhaul

HARRISBURG, Pa. - This week marks the 25th anniversary of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the cash-assistance program commonly known as TANF…

An adjustment to the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan goes into effect on October 1st. (Adobe Stock)

OH Groups: Make Programs that Support Families Permanent

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio food security advocates welcomed news last week of the largest permanent increase to SNAP benefits coming this fall and they …

Nearly 80% of respondents to a Project Bread survey said they had experienced food insecurity, but just over 30% knew little or nothing about SNAP. (Tada Images/Adobe Stock)

Group Applauds SNAP Benefit Increase, Says Barriers Still Exist

BOSTON -- Groups working to end hunger in Massachusetts say the upcoming increase to SNAP benefits, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance …

According to a new national poll, 78% of families receiving monthly Child Tax Credit payments immediately spent the funds to help with housing, utilities and food costs. (Adobe Stock)

MN Parents: Expanded Tax Credit Helps, Should Be Extended

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Today is payday for many Americans. Families trying to make ends meet are also now getting a bump each month from the expanded …

More than 64,000 North Dakotans are children younger than age 6. More than 70% have parents in the workforce. (Adobe Stock)

Report: ND Should Think of Child Care as Infrastructure

JAMESTOWN, N.D. -- A new report showed affordable and accessible child care remains an issue for North Dakota families. It is prompting calls for …

More than 16,000 kids live in households that are set to lose extra federal unemployment benefits on Sept. 4. (momius/Adobe Stock)

End to Extra Federal Jobless Aid to Impact Tens of Thousands of Mainers

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Expanded federal unemployment programs are set to expire early next month, and economic policy analysts said it will negatively …

About half of student parents and first-generation students are Pell Grant recipients. (Yurii Kibalnik/Adobe Stock)

As College Cost Worries Grow, Campaign Urges Doubling Pell Grants

EUGENE, Ore. - Pell Grants are a lifeline for many students attending college, but the federal aid covers far less than it used to. That's why …

The number of children whose families receive SNAP benefits in Ohio decreased from 32.2% in 2019 to 29% in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

New Child Well-Being Data Can Help OH Allocate ARP Funds

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Prior to the pandemic, Ohio counties saw fewer kids in poverty and other strides in improving child well-being, but the public-…

Experts say the expanded Child Tax Credit could reduce child poverty by half in the United States. (Kostia/Adobe Stock)

Expanded Child Tax Credit Boosts Safety Net for MI Families

ALLEGAN, Mich. -- More than 1.9 million Michigan kids are benefiting as their families see extra money from the extended federal Child Tax Credit…

Pennsylvania is receiving funds from the federal Wagner-Peyser Act program to support SkillUp PA. (Glenn Carstens-Peters/Unsplash)

PA Creates Virtual Skills Training Program To Help Job Seekers

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania is launching an online job-training program focused on helping residents looking for a new career get the expertise …

Turnover for direct-care professional positions, many of which pay minimum wage with no benefits, has been as high as 60%. (Adobe Stock)

Disabled Community Urges Congress to Boost Home-Care Infrastructure

DENVER -- As infrastructure legislation makes its way through Congress, advocates for people with disabilities are urging lawmakers to boost …

Ohio's poverty rate is 13.1%, while the U.S. rate is 12.3%. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Pandemic's Ripple Effects Had Big Impact on Low-Income Ohioans

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The number of Ohio residents living in poverty was trending down before the pandemic, but advocates in Ohio emphasized there is …

Families with children under age 6 could get up to $3,600 through the federal Child Tax Credit this year. (tomertu/Adobe Stock)

Child Tax Credit Lifts MT Families Out of Poverty, Backers Say

MISSOULA, Mont. - More than 200,000 Montana families are seeing extra money in their bank accounts because of the extended federal Child Tax Credit…

Community Health Centers pivoted to telehealth, including online paperwork systems for patients to check-in from home or from their car during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

COVID Innovations Celebrated During National Health Center Week

DENVER - Sunday marked the beginning of National Health Center Week, a chance to spotlight important contributions made by safety-net hospitals and …

Programs such as Double Up Food Bucks help families buy more fresh food at farmers markets. (Jeremy Segrott/Flickr)

Anti-Hunger Advocate to Tout Safety Net's Benefit in ID

BOISE, Idaho -- The head of Hunger Free America is coming to Idaho this weekend as part of his tour across the country. Joel Berg, CEO of the …

Some 40% of mothers new to the 2020 Magnolia Mother's Trust program said they had money saved for emergencies. After receiving $1,000 a month for 12 months, that increased to more than 85%. (Wikimedia Commons)

Groups Urge Long-Term Solutions After States Cut Federal Unemployment

By Katie Fleischer for Ms. MagazineBroadcast version by Lily Böhlke for Tennessee News Service/Public News Service NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- After …

Farmers' markets are starting to reopen, after some had to shut down when their venues were closed during the COVID lockdowns. (SEE LA)

Celebrating Progress in the Fight Against Hunger in CA

LOS ANGELES -- Hunger-fighting advocacy groups are speaking out in California, drawing attention to the continuing problem of food insecurity…

The National School Lunch Program is designed to meet nutrition standards and promote healthy eating. (Adobe Stock)

Childrens' Advocates Press Congress to Extend Free School Meal Program

DENVER-During the COVID health emergency, the federal government made school meals available for free to all students, regardless of their financial …

Some tenants' advocates would like Virginia's new budget proposal for American Rescue Plan funding to include money for low-income renters to hire lawyers for eviction cases. (Adobe stock)<br /><br /> — Some tenants' advocates would like Virginia's new budget proposal for American Rescue Plan funding to include money for low-income renters to hire lawyers for eviction cases. (Adobe stock)

Virginia Lawmakers Urged to Direct COVID Funds to Working Families

RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia's General Assembly Special Session begins today to budget more than $4 billion in federal COVID relief funds, and advocates …

More than 3 million adults nationwide are at risk of eviction in the next two months, after a federal eviction moratorium expires tomorrow, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey. (HeatherPaque/Pixabay)<br /> — More than 3 million adults nationwide are at risk of eviction in the next two months, after a federal eviction moratorium expires tomorrow, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey. (HeatherPaque/Pixabay)

New Mexicans Dodge Imminent Evictions Faced by Many U.S. Renters

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Millions of Americans soon could find eviction notices on their front doors, but New Mexico renters will not be among them - as …

Maine is among the first states to pass a bill for free school meals for all students, regardless of household income. (WaveBreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Parents Urged: Complete School Meal Forms Even Though Lunches are Free

AUGUSTA, Maine -- School meals in Maine will be free for all students again this year and into the future, but parents are being urged to fill out …

Federal food assistance programs, including SNAP and Nebraska's Farmers Market Nutrition Program for seniors and families with children, ensure that farmers get fair market prices for their goods. (Adobe Stock)

Double Up Food Bucks Program Boosts Farmer’s Markets

LINCOLN, Neb. -- After a new state law expanded eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the program formerly known as …

Before this week, families with children got a deduction on their income tax return for the Child Tax Credit. Under a new law, money from the tax credit will instead be deposited directly into families' bank accounts. (methaphum/Adobe Stock)

Groups Push Congress to Make Child Tax Credit Permanent

PHOENIX -- Starting this week, most Arizona families with children are seeing extra money in their bank accounts, and more than 1.5 million Arizona …

The 2021 Advance Child Tax Credit is set to benefit 89% of Colorado's children younger than 18. (nareekarn/Adobe Stock)

CO Families Already Benefiting from Advance Child Tax Credit Payments

DENVER -- Parents are now receiving fully refundable monthly 2021 Advance Child Tax Credit payments, and advocates for children and families have …

Nearly 300,000 Maine kids will benefit from the expanded Advance Child Tax Credit. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

ME Parents, Advocates: Make Expanded Child Tax Credit Permanent

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Parents are now receiving fully refundable monthly 2021 Advance Child Tax Credit payments, and advocates for children and families …

87% of New Hampshire kids are set to benefit from the expanded Child Tax Credit. (Adobe Stock)

Child Tax Credit Could Bring Thousands of NH Kids Out of Poverty

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Parents are now receiving fully refundable monthly 2021 Advance Child Tax Credit payments, and advocates for children and families …

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