Public News Service

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the top five most disadvantaged Illinois counties include Alexander, Cook, Kankakee, Macon and Marion. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Do work requirements 'work' to keep people out of poverty?

Members of the U.S. House Work and Welfare Subcommittee came to Illinois this month to drum up support for work requirements for anyone seeking …

Studies show community health centers significantly reduce prescription-drug spending, as well as the need for emergency room visits and outpatient and inpatient care. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Congressional budget impasse threatens IL community health centers

Community health centers in Illinois are stuck in financial limbo as Congress contends with another potential government shutdown. More than forty …

According to a 2023 NACHC report 'Closing the Primary Care Gap,' more than 100 million people in the United States don't have a primary care provider, and about a quarter of those are children.<br />(Adobe Stock)

Health group hopes for funding amid looming deadline

The price of healthcare has many Americans struggling with costly prescriptions, doctor visits and hospitalizations. Uninsured people are the focus …

With a grant award from the Illinois Power Association, the Green Energy Justice Cooperative plans to build community-level solar power projects to cut costs and give low-income and BIPOC neighborhoods a financial stake in the program. (Wikimedia Commons)

IL co-op to develop solar projects for low-income, BIPOC communities

By Lydia Larsen for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Netwo…

According to America's Health Rankings, 16% of Illinois' children live in households below the federal poverty threshold, ranking Illinois as 27th in the nation for child poverty. (Adobe Stock)<br />

IL advocacy group insists state’s tax system hurts children

A new analysis of state tax systems finds the Illinois tax structure is unfair to low- and middle-income households, especially those with children…

Farmers in Illinois and across the country are concerned over whether Congress will complete its work on a new Farm Bill by the end of the current term. (Adobe Stock)

Farm Bill delays could affect food benefits for many Americans

The once-every-five-year Farm Bill will likely be extended to six years this time around, as Congress seems months away from finding a path forward…

The new Kids Count Data Book says 54% of 3- and 4-year-olds in the U.S. are not enrolled in preschool, which prepares young learners for elementary school. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Report: Childcare Biggest Challenge for IL Families

Having access to reliable, affordable, high-quality child care benefits both children and adults, but a new report said it is not the norm for …

Feeding Illinois, which operates a network of food banks across the state, says one in 12 Illinois residents struggles with food insecurity, including one in nine children. (Aaron Doucett/Unsplash)

Increased Work Requirements Mean Fewer SNAP Benefits for Ilinoisans

Almost 2 million people in Illinois receive SNAP food assistance, but several hundred thousand are expected to lose access to it at the end of …

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 $…

Approximately 28% of Illinois kids lived in households with a high housing cost burden in 2019, compared with 42% in 2010. (Darren Baker/Adobe Stock)

IL Child Well-Being Improved in Last Decade, Although Disparities Remain

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Child well-being in Illinois was looking up in 2019 compared with 2010, but advocates say the full impact of COVID-19 is yet to …

As the state moratorium on utility shut-offs ends, utility companies are set to start disconnecting residents who've been unable to pay their bills. (Valmedia/Adobe Stock)

IL Moratorium on Utility Shutoffs Ends, Natural Gas Prices Spike

CHICAGO -- As a state moratorium on utility shutoffs comes to an end, more than 800,000 customers in Illinois are behind on their utility bills and …

Census Household Survey data from this fall shows many Illinois families are behind on bill payments and struggling to keep food on the table. (Adobe Stock)

Report: 1 in 5 IL Families Unsure About Next Rent Payment

CHICAGO -- At least 20% of Illinois families with children said they had only "slight or no confidence" they'd make their next rent or mortgage paymen…

In Illinois, 5.6% of Latino children do not have health insurance, compared to 4% of all children in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Illinois Sees 46% Spike in Number of Uninsured Kids

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Even during a time when the economy was notably strong, Illinois lost ground in ensuring children have access to health coverage…

Illinois' moratorium on evictions during the pandemic ends after today. (Adobe Stock)

Half of Americans Worried About Housing During Pandemic

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A new survey finds nearly one in 10 Americans has moved in with other people, and three in 10 have delayed attempting to purchase …

Illinois was the first state to expand Medicaid health-care coverage to undocumented children. (AdobeStock)

Gap Widens in Health Coverage for Illinois' Latino Kids

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- A strong health care infrastructure is crucial during times like these, but not all children in Illinois have equal access to …

An estimated 250,000 people are jailed in Illinois awaiting trial, largely because they can't afford to pay the cash bail amount that was set. (Adobe Stock)

Illinois Lawmakers Hear Pleas to End Jail Bond

CHICAGO -- Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently revealed his intention to end the use of cash bail or what is known as "money bond" in Illinois, and it's an …

In Illinois, 102,000 children did not have health insurance coverage in 2018. (Adobe Stock)

Illinois Reverses Course in Children's Health Care Coverage

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – After several years of trending downward, the number of children without health care insurance in Illinois and the nation …

There are significant racial and ethnic disparities among the 300,000 Illinois kids living in high-poverty neighborhoods, according to a new report. (AdobeStock)

New Report Notes Concentrated Poverty Disparities Among Illinois Kids

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois has fewer kids growing up in high-poverty neighborhoods, but advocates say it's still a troubling problem…

In the United States, 8% of children suffer from asthma. (Adobe Stock)

IL Research Links Severe Child Asthma and Family Chaos

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The chaos of family life could be detrimental to health outcomes for children with severe asthma, new research shows…

Supporters of bail reform say cash bonds favor the wealthy. (3839153/Pixabay)

Illinois Lawmakers to Hear About Bail Reform

SPRINGFIELD, Il. — Illinois' Bail Reform Act of 2017 has been in effect for more than a year now. And lawmakers in Springfield will hear …

Illinois estimates more than 400,000 residents will receive federal food benefits at least one month this year. (Gemma Billings/Flickr)

SNAP Change Opponent: Food Benefits Support Job Searches

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A change to eligibility for federal food assistance could affect hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans. Able bodied people …

In Illinois, 42 percent of the renters considered extremely low-income are people in the workforce. Another 26 percent are senior citizens. (Elvert Barnes/Flickr)

Report: Illinois' Poorest Live on Unstable Ground

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – Housing is a foundation for living, and a new report suggests it's an unstable foundation for hundreds of thousands of …

A survey found that if given the opportunity, nearly half of non-unionized workers would join a union. (Fibonnaci Blue/Flickr)

Chicago Fast Food Workers Fight for Unions, Fair Wages

CHICAGO – Employees of McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's and other fast food chains in Chicago will be walking the picket lines Thursday in a …

Hospitals often are the largest employer in small towns and communities. (Grafixer/Morguefile)

Illinois Reaping Benefits of Medicaid Expansion

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - New research illustrates the significant impact Medicaid expansion is having in Illinois, especially in rural areas. According …

Correctional facilities assign incarcerated people to work as close to a regular day as possible, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. (Rennett Stowe/Wikimedia Commons)

Prison-Reform Advocates Urge Rauner to Sign Medical Co-Pay Bill

CHICAGO – It's been more than a month since legislation that would eliminate co-pays for doctor visits to prison inmates went to Gov. Bruce …

A new report shows Illinois has done well in providing access to Pre-K programs. (@darby/Twenty20)

Report: Illinois Kids are Counting on Accurate Census

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois is doing better at improving the lives of children than in past years, according to the new 2018 KIDS COUNT Data …

The number of Illinois residents who are rent burdened keeps growing. (V. Carter)

Study: Financial Insecurity Aggravated by Rent Prices

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — High rents are threatening families' financial security and putting home ownership out of reach for many, according to a …

Nearly half of college students say they're food insecure. (chicagohomeless.org)

40,000 IL Students Eligible for SNAP

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Thousands of college students in Illinois became eligible to receive SNAP benefits at the first of the year, but many don't …

There are 40 safety-net hospitals serving low-income and uninsured residents in Illinois. (cdc.gov)

IL Safety Net Hospitals Want a Funding FIx

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Illinois lawmakers have been discussing funding for so-called safety-net hospitals: those that are required to provide medical …

The number of homeless young women, in Illinois and across the country, has been on the rise. (health.gov)

Agency Launches 24/7 Services to Help Homeless Youth

PARK RIDGE, Ill. -- A program that helps homeless young women in Illinois is taking a new approach with the new year. The Harbour began in 1971 and …

About 330,000 children in Illinois rely on CHIP for health insurance. (cdc.gov)

Long-Term Deal Needed for Children's Health

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A last minute deal in Congress to provide short-term funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) hasn't done …

Illinois is among 16 states that have lost good, blue-collar jobs in recent years. (il.gov)

IL Losing Jobs for Workers Without Bachelors' Degrees

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- While a bachelor's degree isn't the only path to a professional success, a report out today says non-degree holding workers in …

A new report highlights the economic and educational achievement gaps in Illinois. (Gia Smith)

Report: Children of Color in IL More Likely to Live in Poverty

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – There are disparities based on race when it comes to opportunities for Illinois children, and a new report sheds light on …

President Donald Trump's budget proposals have included cuts to federal nutrition programs. (ilhunger.org)

Illinois' Food Insecurity Numbers Remain High

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Even though there have been improvements in the economy since the Great Recession, 13 percent of Illinois residents are …

Illinois grads leave school with an average of $26,000 of debt. (Kiyana Carter)

Legislation Would Provide Free College for Americans

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The college year has started again, and for many students, that means anxiety over debt is here again, too. The Institute …

A rally outside a McDonald's in Chicago is one of many to be held Monday around the state. (fightfor15.org)

Labor Day Protesters Call Out Gov. Rauner

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Low-wage workers are walking off the job this Labor Day and calling out Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner for his veto of a $15 an …

Department of Child and Family Service officials promise changes during a joint Senate hearing this week. (senatorjuliemorrison.com)

Toddler's Death May Force Changes at DCFS

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Changes are promised at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services after the death this spring of a toddler from …

There's a lot of grumbling in Illinois over the budget lawmakers approved last week. (progressillinois.com)

Not Many Happy with Illinois' New State Budget

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois finally has a balanced budget, but it slaps a 32 percent income tax hike on state residents, and it still means …

If a balanced budget isn't in place on July 1, Illinois could become the first state with a

State Budget Battle: "Enough is Enough" for IL Senior Advocates

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- With $15 billion in unpaid bills, Illinois faces the prospect of being the first state to go three straight years without a …

Illinois ranked 14th in the nation for education but college students are leaving because of cuts to higher education. (V. Carter)

Leaders Urged to Maintain Health Insurance for IL Kids

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Children in Illinois are doing better than in recent years, and advocates are calling on state and federal leaders to avoid …

A new report says rural children are at greater risk from cuts to Medicaid than those who live in urban areas. (V. Carter)

Illinois' Rural Children Rely on Medicaid

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- A new report shows that Medicaid plays a larger role in rural communities in Illinois than it does in larger cities. The …

Un reporte reciente dice que los ni�os rurales corren mayor riesgo con los recortes a Medicaid que los que viven en zonas urbanas. (V. Carter)

Los niños de zonas rurales de Illinois dependen de Medicaid

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – El acceso a tratamiento médico para niños con enfermedades y condiciones crónicas es un grave problema en …

New research shows many Illinois workers are being cheated out of their full paychecks. (V. Carter)

Some Illinois Workers Cheated Out of Full Paychecks

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Hundreds of thousands of people in Illinois live in poverty, and new research suggests that number would be lower if some …

The U.S. Department of Energy is sponsoring a renewable-energy contest with $1 million in prize money. (lbl.gov)

Contestants Bringing Solar Power to Low-Income Neighborhoods

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Low- and moderate-income households represent 40 percent of America's population, but less than 5 percent of all solar …

Where Will Cuts Come From?

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – President Donald Trump's call to increase military spending by $54 billion likely means cuts will be made to some …

A new campaign called 'Enough is Enough' is under way in Illinois to get lawmakers to pass a balanced budget. (aarp.org)

'Enough is Enough' Message Sent to Lawmakers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois' budget stalemate is more than two years old now and it's not sitting well with state residents. Illinois is …

Young people in urban areas say things they're afraid of include police interactions, community violence and lack of food. (Tatiyana Carter)

Report: Fear Holding Back Students of Color

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A study done by youth researchers cites fear as a major barrier to wellness for students of color. Youth of color …

Donations are needed at Illinois food banks. One in seven people is food insecure in the state, a year-round problem that's especially acute for families with children. (US Dept. of Agriculture)

Hunger in Illinois is a Year-Round Issue

GENEVA, Ill. – While many families sat down at Thanksgiving dinner tables with a lot more food than they really needed, millions of people …

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IL: Poverty Issues