Poverty Issues / Public News Service

Suzanne Craig receives her award from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. In 2020, more than 42% of U.S. adults reported not visiting a dentist or dental clinic in the past year, according to the CDC.(Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 14, 2024

Western KY dental clinic a lifeline for many unable to access care

A community dental clinic in Owensboro has helped more than 25,000 low-income residents access dental care. Suzanne Craig - the public health …

Beyond monthly heating bill aid, Minnesota's Energy Assistance Program also provides funds for those who can't afford re-connection fees charged by their utility provider. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 14, 2024

New MN law, heating aid take the chill out of energy burdens

Minnesota is in its first cold snap of the fall season, and a new law aims to protect renters from thermostat hang-ups with their landlord. It …

The Idaho Child Care Program serves families with children under age 13, or older if the child has a disability. (shangarey/Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 14, 2024

In hit to families, ID child care assistance program halts enrollment

Idaho has suspended enrollment in a child-care benefits program, and families are expected to feel the squeeze. The Department of Health and Welfare …

A study by the Missouri Budget Project found the majority of Missourians who would be affected by boosting the minimum wage are adults over age 20, and more workers age 55 and older would be affected than teens. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 14, 2024

New study calls out Missouri minimum wage hike opposition as 'myths'

A new study by the Missouri Budget Project calls out some opposing views to the ballot measure known as Proposition A and included data to debunk them…

The Salton Sea, south of the Palm Springs area, is a heavily polluted lake with large geothermal and lithium resources beneath it. (Dr. Manuel Pastor)<br />

Monday, October 14, 2024

Rural community seeks to benefit from lithium boom

Local groups in the Imperial Valley are working to make sure the coming boom in lithium extraction will benefit the community, as well as the …

In 2022, 563,512 or 39% of Connecticut's 1.4 million households were below the ALICE threshold. (Adobe Stock)

New data show CT families struggle to afford the basics

New data show many Connecticut residents can't afford daily life. This year's ALICE update shows the number of asset-limited, income-constrained …

Health care workers and community members work to share factual information about vaccines as we approach the cold and flu season. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

TX Hispanic leaders dispel immunization myths, encourage vaccinations

Medical professionals and advocates in the Latino community are using National Hispanic Heritage Month to encourage residents to prepare for the upcom…

The median household income in Alabama is $59,703. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama’s path to prosperity sees progress, but challenges remain

Alabama has made some strides in its fight against poverty but substantial challenges remain, according to a new report from the group Alabama …

There are now no consistent renters' rights nationally and some states, like Arkansas, have very few tenants' rights. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

AR renters could benefit from proposed National Tenants Bill of Rights

By Wesley Brown for the Arkansas Delta Informer.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Delta Informer-Wi…

The Des Moines City Council passed a resolution that bans tent camping and criminalizes falling asleep in public, which can result in a $15 fine. (Adobe Stock)

Critics push back on Des Moines' homeless ordinance

The Des Moines City Council has passed an ordinance to reduce the homeless population and help people find alternatives to being on the street…

This round of debt relief forgave more than $14.6 million in medical debt for 7,717 residents of Lucas County after RIP acquired ProMedica's debt portfolio. (Adobe Stock)

Program provides life-changing relief from medical debt for Ohioans

Medical debt has long been a burden for many Americans, with millions struggling to pay off their healthcare bills. In the Buckeye State, however…

All Arkansas employers must display an approved Arkansas minimum-wage poster in a prominent place to inform employees about the minimum wage and their worker's rights under Arkansas labor law. GoodIdeas/Adobe Stock)

Study: Low wage workers in AR could benefit from minimum wage increase

A new study finds minimum-wage increases have little or no impact on job loss. The Economic Policy Institute study comes as federal lawmakers …

The annual income considered to be at Federal Poverty Level for an individual in 2024 is $15,060. (lannyboy89/Pixabay)

Richmond’s declining poverty rate raises questions

The most recent census figures show a significant drop in poverty in the Richmond metro area - and are being met with skepticism. The American …

The Mobile County Public Defenders Office launched in October 2020. Most counties in the state do not have such an office. (Adobe Stock)

From prison to advocacy: Fighting for justice in Mobile County

A man who once faced the harsh realities of Alabama's criminal justice system is now working to ensure others in Mobile County do not have to endure t…

If postpartum depression symptoms last longer than a few weeks, mothers are encouraged to talk to their doctor. (sementsova321/Adobe Stock)

TX postpartum expert: 'reach out for help'

About 20% of new mothers experience postpartum depression after giving birth. What's typically known as the "baby blues" usually lasts around three …

The Endow-a-Bed program at Sierra College in Rocklin will begin serving students within two years. <br />

CA community college sets up endowment to fund dorm beds

A community college north of Sacramento is trying out an innovative way to lower costs for needy students with a new "Endow-a-Bed" program. Sierra …

Last year, nearly 20,000 teens turned 18 or 21 and aged out of foster care without a permanent home. <br />(Rido/Adobe Stock)

Almost 30,000 TX children remain in foster care system

It's a week to celebrate kids, with National Daughters Day today and National Sons Day on Saturday. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is …

Alabama's FAFSA completion rate fell by 19.8% points from the previous year, yet the state remains 16th in the nation, with a completion rate of 45.8%. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama Possible helps pave the way for smoother FAFSA process

An Alabama nonprofit will play a critical role in shaping the future of federal student aid. Alabama Possible is breaking new ground as one of the …

Denver's current minimum wage, at $18.29 per hour, is set to rise with inflation to $18.81 next year. (Adobe Stock) Denver�s current minimum wage, at $18.29 per hour, is set to rise with inflation to $18.81 next year. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Minimum wage hikes don't lead to job losses

As the city of Boulder considers raising its minimum wage on Oct. 10, a new report suggested the move would have little or no impact on job loss…

Nationwide, AARP helped prepare taxes for about 1.7 million people. (cn0ra/Adobe Stock)

Search for ID volunteers begins as next tax season approaches

It may seem early, but as the year comes to end, the new tax year approaches. AARP provides free tax aide and they're looking for recruits. In …

Nevada is one of seven states that have already eliminated the pay category of subminimum wage, according to the Economic Policy Institute. (Congressman Steven Horsford)

NV Congressman introduces bill to eliminate taxes on tips, subminimum wage

Nevada U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford - D-Las Vegas - has introduced legislation that would aim to eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers across …

The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is anticipated to save over $350 million annually on electric bills for 900,000 low-income households nationwide and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 million metric tons over five years. (Felix Mizioznikov/Adobe Stock)

Solar power drives change in Ohio’s disadvantaged areas

Ohio's most vulnerable communities are set to benefit from more than $312 million in federal funding aimed at reducing energy costs and promoting envi…

NV Energy's proposal sought to increase its rate of return to investors from 9.5% to 10.4%. The Public Utilities Commission approved a 9.65% return, according to the Nevada Conservation League. (Adobe Stock)

Utility regulators deny NV Energy rate change for northern NV customers

Nevada leaders and community groups are pleased with this week's decision by state utility regulators to reject NV Energy's request to raise its basic…

So far in 2024, community health centers in North Dakota have screened 11,580 patients for food insecurity. Through those screenings, more than three thousand box meals have been distributed. (Adobe Stock)

Nutrition takes a seat at the doctor's office in underserved areas

September is Hunger Action Month. In North Dakota, it isn't just food banks trying to help underserved populations get nutritious items. Health …

Some 36,000 Arkansas Medicare beneficiaries used insulin in 2020. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

AR seniors to benefit from Medicare prescription drug cap

Arkansans who are on Medicare will see big savings next year thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. The Act will cap prescription drug costs…

Groups fighting hunger will hold a panel discussion in Los Angeles, called

Feeding the unhoused in LA.: Searching for best practices

California is home to more than 181,000 people who are unhoused, with 75,000 in Los Angeles alone, so the Los Angeles Food Policy Council will host a …

In the past decade, the U.S. Energy Department said 2,555 North Dakota homes, occupied by people with limited incomes, have been weatherized. The free upgrades include furnace repairs, insulation and sealing drafty windows. (Adobe Stock)

An under-the-radar profession could use a helping hand

September is Workforce Development Month and North Dakota offices managing energy assistance programs hope people in need of a fresh career start will…

The U.S. Census Bureau's supplemental poverty measure rose to just under 13% in 2023, up from 12.4% in 2022, despite an increase in median household incomes nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

Census shows more Kentucky families struggle to meet basic needs

More Kentucky households struggled to meet their basic needs last year, according to new Census data. Kentucky has the sixth-highest children's …

A new U.S. Census Bureau report shows the rate of children without health insurance in New Mexico was 5.9% in 2023, compared to 5.4% nationwide. (FotoAndalucia/Adobe Stock)

New census data show significant drop in NM's child poverty

A new federal report shows anti-poverty policies enacted by New Mexico are making a big difference. This month, the U.S. Census Bureau has released …

According to the newly-formed South Dakota Healthy Nutrition Collaborative, over 100,000 South Dakotans experience food insecurity, including 24,000 children. (Yakobchuk Olena/Adobe Stock)

New SD collaborative to address food insecurity

In observance of Hunger Action Month, a new statewide collaborative has launched to address food insecurity in South Dakota. Nearly 14% of U.S…

Orange glow in Albuquerque night sky lights up Hunger Action Month

New Mexico's Roadrunner Food Bank sent a "glowing" invitation to encourage food and financial contributions during September's Hunger Action Month…

The nation's child poverty rate increased 1.3 percentage points to 13.7 percent in 2023, according to newly released Census data. (Adobe Stock)

WV poverty rate for children among highest in nation

The number of West Virginia children living in poverty remains among the highest in the nation, and more children are living in households struggling …

Hunger Action Month started in 2008 when Feeding America's food banks came together to encourage individuals to take action against hunger in their local communities. (Adobe stock)

Feeding Indiana’s Hungry calls for action as food insecurity worsens

Hoosiers are marking Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign led by the Feeding America Network, to raise awareness and fight hunger across the U.…

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine compares the situation in Springfield to a natural disaster, suggesting the federal government provide assistance to help communities handle large surges in migrant populations. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio leaders clash over migrant influx, persistent rumors

Tensions are rising in Springfield, Ohio, as controversial claims from Sen. J.D. Vance about migrants in the area have garnered national attention…

The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals child poverty in America increased slightly in 2023. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

Stalled Child Tax Credit leaves Ohio families in limbo

During this week's presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris proposed reviving the Child Tax Credit, which was part of the American Rescue …

Census data: More Mainers struggle to meet basic needs

More Maine households struggled to meet their basic needs last year, according to new census data. More than 80,000 Mainers, or roughly 6% of the …

Income, location and trust issues can contribute to health disparities in the Latinx community. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

Nonprofits across Texas are coming together to address disparities in health care for the Latinx community. A report by the Commonwealth Fund shows …

So far, 34 farmers markets, food hubs and retail locations across the state offer Colorado SNAP Produce Bonus. (Adobe Stock)

Pilot program makes fresh Colorado produce accessible to more families

As Colorado's fall harvest kicks into high gear, people participating in SNAP, the program formerly known as food stamps, can now get up to $60 per …

Food deserts are regions where people have limited access to healthful and affordable food due to income, location, or transportation issues. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

AR officials consider new ways to address food deserts

By Daniel Breen and Josie Lenora for Little Rock Public Radio.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the Little Rock …

In 2022, 42.4% of full-time undergraduate students worked while enrolled to cover their costs, reflecting the growing challenge of affording higher education. (William W. Potter/Adobe Stock)

Ohio universities see tuition spike, enrollment decline

By John Hilber / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. In the last 21 years…

Community health workers provide a trust-based relational framework for addressing nonmedical health drivers of health and connecting families to medical resources and social services. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Central Texas nonprofit addresses health inequities for new moms

A program in Georgetown, in Williamson County, is working to improve health outcomes for low-income residents by helping them gain access to …

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an estimated 86.5% of U.S. households were food secure throughout the entire year in 2023. (guvo59/Pixabay)

Low SNAP enrollment among Virginia seniors signals calls for reforms

A new report showed more than 100,000 eligible Virginians 65 and older are not enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. With …

An AARP report showed Medicare drug plan enrollees nationwide who reach the new out-of-pocket cap will see average savings of roughly $1,500, or 56%, in 2025 for their prescription drugs. (ink drop/Adobe Stock)

New cap on prescription costs offers relief to Ohio seniors

Ohioans struggling with rising prescription drug prices may find relief in a new law, which caps annual out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part D …

A 2018 study estimated 33% of Baltimore City is a food desert. (Adobe Stock)

Baltimore food deserts highlighted during Hunger Action Month

September is Hunger Action Month and advocates in Baltimore City are calling attention to expanding food deserts. Over the summer the Giant Foods …

Texas educators said they want democratic representation and a voice in decision-making as-well-as professional training and development. (shootsroom/Adobe Stock)

TX educators prepare for upcoming legislative session

Texas educators spent the summer in meetings and workshops devising a playbook for the upcoming Texas legislative session. The Educator's Bill of …

Eviction can significantly disrupt a child's life and is experienced by more than 19% of children born to Black mothers and more than 11% born to white mothers. (Rafael Ben-Ari/Adobe Stock)

Grant helps Legal Aid of NE Housing Justice Project amidst rising evictions

From July, 2023 to July, 2024, Nebraska landlords filed more than 10,000 eviction cases. That's compared with an average of around 8,400 filings per …

Nearly three in five households surveyed are not participating in SNAP. For those that are <br />participating, nearly two-thirds report that their SNAP benefits are exhausted in two weeks or <br />less each month. (mdurson/Adobe Stock)

Food insecurity grows as Ohio food bank demand surges

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks has recently sounded the alarm over worsening conditions in the state's hunger relief network, with food insecurity …

Liquefied gas export terminals have zeroed in on the Texas Coast for a major expansion of the industry. (AA+W/Adobe Stock)

Climate activists along TX coast want LNG ban

Climate and environmental activists along the Texas Coast are celebrating after receiving favorable news from an insurance company covering liquefied …

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Poverty Issues

Western KY dental clinic a lifeline for many unable to access care

New MN law, heating aid take the chill out of energy burdens

In hit to families, ID child care assistance program halts enrollment

New study calls out Missouri minimum wage hike opposition as 'myths'

Rural community seeks to benefit from lithium boom

New data show CT families struggle to afford the basics

TX Hispanic leaders dispel immunization myths, encourage vaccinations

Alabama’s path to prosperity sees progress, but challenges remain

AR renters could benefit from proposed National Tenants Bill of Rights

Critics push back on Des Moines' homeless ordinance

Program provides life-changing relief from medical debt for Ohioans

Study: Low wage workers in AR could benefit from minimum wage increase

Richmond’s declining poverty rate raises questions

From prison to advocacy: Fighting for justice in Mobile County

TX postpartum expert: 'reach out for help'

CA community college sets up endowment to fund dorm beds

Almost 30,000 TX children remain in foster care system

Alabama Possible helps pave the way for smoother FAFSA process

Report: Minimum wage hikes don't lead to job losses

Search for ID volunteers begins as next tax season approaches

NV Congressman introduces bill to eliminate taxes on tips, subminimum wage

Solar power drives change in Ohio’s disadvantaged areas

Utility regulators deny NV Energy rate change for northern NV customers

Nutrition takes a seat at the doctor's office in underserved areas

AR seniors to benefit from Medicare prescription drug cap

Feeding the unhoused in LA.: Searching for best practices

An under-the-radar profession could use a helping hand

Census shows more Kentucky families struggle to meet basic needs

New census data show significant drop in NM's child poverty

New SD collaborative to address food insecurity

Orange glow in Albuquerque night sky lights up Hunger Action Month

WV poverty rate for children among highest in nation

Feeding Indiana’s Hungry calls for action as food insecurity worsens

Ohio leaders clash over migrant influx, persistent rumors

Stalled Child Tax Credit leaves Ohio families in limbo

Census data: More Mainers struggle to meet basic needs

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

Pilot program makes fresh Colorado produce accessible to more families

AR officials consider new ways to address food deserts

Ohio universities see tuition spike, enrollment decline

Central Texas nonprofit addresses health inequities for new moms

Low SNAP enrollment among Virginia seniors signals calls for reforms

New cap on prescription costs offers relief to Ohio seniors

Baltimore food deserts highlighted during Hunger Action Month

TX educators prepare for upcoming legislative session

Grant helps Legal Aid of NE Housing Justice Project amidst rising evictions

Food insecurity grows as Ohio food bank demand surges

Climate activists along TX coast want LNG ban