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Government shutdown looms after Trump-backed bill fails; Environmental groups sue CA Air Resources Board over biogas credits; NY elected officials work to electrify municipal buildings; Need a mental health boost? Talking hot dog is here.

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President-elect Trump repeats his threats to jail Jan. 6th committee members, while also putting a stop-gap spending plan in jeopardy. A court removes Fani Willis from Trump's Georgia election interference case. The FAA restricts drones in New Jersey, and a Federal Reserve rate cut shakes markets.

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Rural folks could soon be shut out of loans for natural disasters if Project 2025 has its way, Taos, New Mexico weighs options for its housing shortage, and the top states providing America's Christmas trees revealed.

Reflections on 60 years of Economic Opportunity Act in NC

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Monday, August 19, 2024   

Tomorrow marks 60 years since the Economic Opportunity Act became law and in North Carolina, it is a moment to reflect and look forward.

The federal legislation, which was part of the War on Poverty in the 1960s, helped launch a national network of Community Action Agencies and programs like Head Start and Community Health Centers.

Denise Harlow, CEO of the National Community Action Partnership, said today, they are still tackling the tough, underlying issues in laws and policies keeping people in poverty.

"We do see that structural race, gender and other inequities remain barriers in this country," Harlow explained. "And every day, community action agencies, no matter where they're located -- urban, suburban, rural and frontier -- are fighting against some of those structural barriers, the systemic issues."

Harlow thinks to make a bigger impact, funding needs to be more flexible and could include direct cash assistance to families. She also noted the way funding is divided, the strict eligibility rules and data systems can sometimes create barriers for those who need help.

Sharon Goodson, executive director of North Carolina Community Action Association, shared how local initiatives have made a difference over the years, especially when it comes to nutrition.

"We have a local agency that is a food bank and provides healthy foods and nutrition to counties across the state," Goodson outlined. "Nutrition education. We have mobile food pantries. We've created food pantries in high schools and schools."

Looking ahead, Goodson stressed the next 60 years should focus on giving people a real shot at a better life.

"Nobody wakes up and chooses to be poor, you know, our children don't, our families don't," Goodson observed. "It's about helping low-income people, the disabled. But really, it is about the hope that can be realized. It is about fulfilling the promise."

She is convinced the system needs to change so people are not penalized for trying to improve their lives. She added North Carolina's Community Action Agencies advocate for policy changes to keep families together and ensure everyone has access to health care, education and economic opportunities.

Disclosure: The National Community Action Partnership contributes to our fund for reporting on Housing/Homelessness, Hunger/Food/Nutrition, Poverty Issues, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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