More than one in three Ohioans are relying on credit cards for spending needs, and nearly a quarter say they've increased their credit-card use in response to cost-of-living increases, according to a new report.

Michael Welker, editor of Upgraded Points, a website tracking credit-card reward and travel programs, explained when the pandemic began, people spent less and got a financial boost from stimulus checks, leading to lower credit-card balances overall. Now, persistent high inflation is causing many to use credit to cover basic household expenses.

Welker said it poses a risk as interest rates rise.

"As you carry over balances month to month, and interest starts to accrue, potentially it's going to be even harder to pay down your debt," Welker advised. "That's going to be even more pressure, in terms of covering your household expenses."

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has proposed new regulations which would, among other changes, cap late fees for credit-card payments at 25% of the minimum payment amount. The agency is taking public comments about its proposal until April 3.

According to the report, nationwide more than 95% of people with annual incomes below $75,000 said they are feeling stressed about inflation. Welker recommended using credit cards only when needed to meet basic expenses, and shifting habits instead to reduce dining out, entertainment and other leisure spending.

"Be more mindful of your spending," Welker suggested. "Figure out where you might be able to cut or trim back, find less expensive alternatives."

He added consumers may soon feel relief as the federal government works to combat inflation, but only those who rein in their credit-card use.

"The Fed is still raising interest rates trying to tame inflation," Welker pointed out. "Potentially, at some point later in the year, we finally start to see that come down to a more manageable level."

In another survey, by Clever Real Estate, 40% of Americans believe high prices are the "new normal," and 62% say they expect everyday prices will be even higher this year.

Reporting by Ohio News Connection in association with Media in the Public Interest and funded in part by the George Gund Foundation.

Federal data show much of the U.S. is seeing job growth for the clean energy sector, and Minnesota is no exception, as new regional numbers confirm the state is adding more workers to the field.

The organization Clean Energy Economy Minnesota is out with a new report, noting around the state, jobs supporting resources such as solar energy or electric vehicles grew overall by nearly 3.5% last year. Nearly 60,000 Minnesotans work in the clean energy sector.

Amelia Cerling Hennes, managing director of the group, said the encouraging trend is not just confined to certain parts of the state.

"The clean energy sector is benefiting economies all across the state," Cerling Hennes reported. "About one in three clean energy jobs are located in Greater Minnesota."

She cited some regional hot spots, such as St. Cloud, which is the fastest-growing area outside the Twin Cities. Statewide, there was a 10% growth in jobs supporting the transition to electric vehicles. Industry sources acknowledge challenges, with 82% of clean-energy employers citing difficulties in filling open positions, prompting renewed calls for more investments in job-training programs.

Becky Wacker, director of energy services sales for the energy solutions firm Trane, said like many other firms, they are adding to their Minnesota staff. She pointed out there are many types of roles within clean energy, and Trane is trying to help those interested make an easier transition.

"We've got some early talent development programs to help train those young professionals as they're coming into our business," Wacker explained. "Whether it's recent college graduates or technicians or those looking to be out in the field."

Both Wacker and Hennes emphasized because of the demand for services and projects, clean energy can serve as a career, as opposed to a temporary vocation. More broadly, industry leaders are calling on Congress to protect funding -- from policies such as the Inflation Reduction Act -- for additional clean-energy development and the jobs created. Concerns are mounting under demands from House Republicans to cut spending.

Congress is again steeped in a looming budget crisis as lawmakers face a deadline to approve a new government spending plan.

In Wisconsin, policy analysts say working families could fall through the cracks if certain GOP proposals go through. Prior to the recent Congressional recess, House Republicans had floated ideas such as slashing funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.

Daithi Wolfe, senior early education analyst for Kids Forward, said the proposed cuts could lead to 71,000 eligible participants in Wisconsin being denied WIC benefits. He warned about creating negative outcomes.

"Every step of the way, obviously, kids and families need support," Wolfe pointed out. "But if we don't do it early, then we pay for it later."

He noted the budget concerns come as Wisconsin families brace for child care funding woes at the state level. Gov. Tony Evers has scheduled a special session in hopes of making permanent a pandemic-related subsidy program. State Republicans recently voted to let it expire. In Washington, Freedom Caucus members have said they want tighter spending after feeling ignored in the recent debt-ceiling debate.

Wolfe emphasized other spending proposals would result in 1,000 Wisconsin preschoolers losing access to Head Start, and 1,400 young people being left out of job training programs. He stressed households relying on the programs do not need any more barriers being put in their way.

"These are all working people in our state that are working poor because we refuse to raise the minimum wage," Wolfe asserted. "We've refused to come up with jobs that pay a living wage and to support families and children."

Congress needs to adopt a new spending plan by Oct. 1 to avoid a government shutdown. With deep divisions still in place, including among moderate Republicans and far-right members, there is growing concern a deal will not be reached in time.

Pennsylvanians will soon see some financial relief with their property taxes and rent.

Gov. Josh Shapiro recently signed House Bill 1100 into law, expanding the state's existing property tax and rent rebate program.

Bill Johnston-Walsh, state director for AARP Pennsylvania, said the expansion of the program will significantly boost property tax rebates for older adults, alleviating the financial burden for homeowners and renters. He said the yearly maximum standard will increase from $650 to $1,000 for individuals.

"This program, and this expansion of this program, which is the first in almost two decades," Johnston-Walsh pointed out. "Both property taxes across the state, and rents have been increasing year after year. And that's why AARP Pennsylvania fought so hard to expand the property tax rebate program."

Johnston-Walsh pointed out the program will be adjusted for cost of living as it moves forward. The Keystone State is home to almost 3.5 million people age 60 and older.

Johnston-Walsh explained the program provides financial relief to those who need it most but also demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the needs of an aging population.

"The Pennsylvania Legislature and Gov. Shapiro, what they're looking for is how do we keep people in their homes longer?" Johnston-Walsh emphasized. "How do we put more money in their pockets so that, you know, they're able to put food on their table, pay for their medications, and also pay for their property tax and their rents?"

Shapiro and Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich recently participated in a tele-townhall with AARP to answer questions from older Pennsylvanians about the expansion of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program.

Johnston-Walsh stressed they want to reach as many Pennsylvanians as possible to advise them of the program.

"To educate people letting them know that this expansion goes from $35,000 a year for homeowners to $45,000 starting in 2024," Johnston-Walsh outlined. "And getting as many people to apply for it as possible, we know that there's going to be nearly 175,000 additional Pennsylvanians that will be eligible for the program next year."

Johnston-Walsh added 400,000 people are already qualified and will get the increase. Pennsylvanian have until Dec. 31 to apply for the program. Area Agencies on Aging, local senior centers and state legislators' offices can also assist.