Budget Policy & Priorities / Public News Service

Some estimates say roughly 150,000 rural Minnesotans lack access to high-speed internet, affecting things such as distance learning. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

MN's Rural Students to See Broadband Relief from Federal Bill

PRINCETON, Minn. -- President Joe Biden is expected to visit Minnesota today to tout passage of the new federal infrastructure bill. Those working …

When it comes to health coverage, 36% of Iowa children are enrolled in public assistance programs. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Report: BBB a Win For Kids' Health Coverage

DES MOINES, Iowa -- As Congress continues to debate the Build Back Better Act, a new report shows how it would address health coverage and access …

Conservationists say the Recovering America's Wildlife Act could support improvements to water quality in the Ozarks, including the Buffalo National River. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Wildlife Act Could Boost AR Conservation, Advocates Say

ST. JOE, Ark. -- More than a decade of restoration efforts in a section of Northern Arkansas' Ozark National Forest have led to 40 new species of …

The Build Back Better Act would require states to provide 12 months of postpartum health coverage and 12 months of continuous health coverage for children, as well as making federal funding for CHIP permanent. (didesign/AdobeStock)

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Children's Advocates See Build Back Better Act Improving AZ Kids' Health

PHOENIX -- Health advocates in Arizona and across the country are pressing the U.S. Senate to approve the Build Back Better Act, because it would …

Groups representing 77,000 physicians and more than 200 hospitals issued a declaration of a national children's mental health emergency. (Robert Hainer/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Mental-Health Summit to Raise Awareness of Challenges in Maine System

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Advocates for access to mental-health services are holding a Behavioral Health Summit today at the Augusta Civic Center. They are …

The report suggests student loan forgiveness, for human services employees in the state who work at a<br />behavioral health provider for a minimum of two years, could help with the worker shortage. (Adobe Stock) — The report suggests student loan forgiveness, for human services employees in the state who work at a
behavioral health provider for a minimum of two years, could help with the worker shortage. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 29, 2021

Report: PA Child Behavioral Health Providers Chronically Understaffed

CAMP HILL, Pa. - Pennsylvania's child welfare and behavioral health services are in crisis, with a worker shortage exacerbated by the pandemic…

Advocates say states extending foster care-related supports to young adults beyond age 18 is one step toward improving outcomes for those who've experienced the foster-care system. (mizinra/Adobe Stock)

Support Needed for Young People Aging Out of Foster Care

INDIANAPOLIS -- As the holiday season draws near, groups are spotlighting ways to support young people transitioning to adulthood after spending time …

If passed, nearly 24,000 New Hampshire residents would save hundreds of dollars on average per year in healthcare costs, according to White House estimates. (Adobe Stock)

Potential Savings for NH Seniors in Build Back Better Healthcare Reforms

CONCORD, N.H. -- The $1.7 trillion Build Back Better Act heads to the U.S. Senate after passing the House last week. The bill attempts to lower …

One in four New York City SNAP redemptions happens at Union Square Greenmarket in Manhattan. It's one of 80 GrowNYC food access sites in the city. (Michayla Savitt)

Report: Pandemic SNAP Benefits Cut NY Food Insecurity in Half

NEW YORK - A new report shows far fewer New Yorkers have gone hungry since the federal government nearly doubled its spending in the pandemic on the S…

Advocates for eliminating group-home settings for foster care say they are more expensive per child than in-home placements with families, and lead to worse outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

Report Urges Family Foster Homes, Not Group Homes

CHICAGO -- Group homes and large institutional foster-care settings should be phased out, according to the latest survey of kids in the system…

Joe Biden has picked 431 nominees to fill key roles in his administration so far, according to a tracker run by the Partnership for Public Service. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Reform Needed to Address Federal Vacancies, Slow Nomination Process

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Numerous government positions remain unfilled, and experts say overdue nominations and a Senate backlog highlight the need for an …

Salmon need unobstructed culverts so they can swim upstream to the places where they spawn. (George Cole/Adobe Stock)

Infrastructure Bill Includes Investments for NW Salmon Passage

SEATTLE -- The infrastructure bill recently passed by Congress is a boon not just for people. It also could help wildlife such as endangered salmon …

During the pandemic, as many as a quarter of households in Los Angeles qualified for emergency food assistance. (Lial88/Adobestock)

Advocates Sue LA County over Emergency Food-Assistance Delays

LOS ANGELES -- Anti-hunger advocates filed suit Monday to force Los Angeles County to speed up processing of applications for emergency food assistanc…

California's 6.4 million Medicare recipients could see significant savings on prescription drugs if the Build Back Better Act passes. (Rawpixel.com)

Health Advocates Work to Push Build Back Better Act Over Finish Line

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Build Back Better Act, now headed to the U.S. Senate, would be a huge win for consumers, according to groups fighting for …

The expensive costs of child care in New York create economic hardship for some families, according to a report from the Children's Agenda. (Adobe Stock)

Build Back Better Would Amplify New York's Child Care, Pre-K Investments

ALBANY, N.Y. -- The $1.7 trillion Build Back Better Act now moves to the Senate where it will face an uphill battle after passing the House Friday…

The Providence R-N Medical Advice Line has been a valuable tool during the pandemic, where people can ask about COVID-19 symptoms. (Courtesy of Heidi Sweeney)

OR Nurse Advice Line Plagued by Understaffing

PORTLAND, Ore. - Nurses provide a range of care, and not all of it is delivered in person. The Providence RN Medical Advice Line is a phone number …

Nancy Hagans, president of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), speaks to nurses, lawmakers and community supporters rallying outside New York Presbyterian Hospital in Washington Heights. (Michayla Savitt)

NY Nurses Speak Out, Alleging Hospital Staffing Shortages

NEW YORK -- Members of the New York Nurses Association (NYSNA) union are sounding the alarm about what they say is a nursing shortage at hospitals in …

A single person in New Hampshire can make up to $37,696 and still be eligible to receive fuel assistance for home heating. (rh2010/Adobe Stock)

As Winter Moves In, Granite Staters Urged to Apply for Fuel Assistance

CONCORD, N.H. -- As cold weather moves in, Granite Staters are being urged to apply for fuel assistance, if they think they might need some help …

Currently, Medicare Part D does not have a hard cap on the amount people pay out-of-pocket for prescription drugs; the Build Back Better Act would change that. (Mensatic/Morguefile)

Older Nevadans Excited for "Build Back Better" Vote

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Groups that advocate for older Americans are pressing for passage of the Build Back Better Act, Build Back Better Act which is …

Between 2010 and 2019, taxpayers lost out on $12.4 billion in revenue from drilling on public lands. (Adobe Stock)

Conservatives Call for Oil and Gas Reforms on Public Lands

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- The Build Back Better Act making its way through Congress includes reforms for oil and gas production on public lands first …

The Build Back Better Act could add 3,900 rental vouchers to Oregon that could house 8,000 people. (Aisyaqilumar/Adobe Stock)

Build Back Better Act Could Support Families, Affordable Housing in OR

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Supporters of the Build Back Better Act are touting the benefits it will bring to families in Oregon and across the country…

Groups are spotlighting the affordable-housing provisions in Build Back Better that they say could make a big difference for Michiganders. (JP Photography/Adobe Stock)

MI Advocates Call Affordable Housing Key in 'Build Back Better'

DETROIT -- Groups say the Build Back Better Act would bring economic opportunity to many Michigan residents, from helping with access to affordable …

The child tax credit provides families $300 a month for children younger than age six and $250 for children ages 6 to 17. (vetre/Adobe Stock)

Build Back Better to Provide Boost to MT Families, Supporters Say

HELENA, Mont. -- Supporters of the Build Back Better Act are touting the benefits it will bring to families in Montana and across the country…

Between 2010 and 2019, felony arrests of people younger than 18 were down 53%, according to The Sentencing Project. (Adobe Stock)

Youthful-Offender Status Reform Gives New Yorkers a Chance at a Clean Slate

NEW YORK -- This month, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill into law advocates said gives young people who were caught up in the criminal-…

The United States is one of six countries in the world with no federal family paid-leave program. The Build Back Better Plan could change that. (Adobe Stock)

Paid Family Leave on Forefront as Build Back Better is Finalized

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Congress is finalizing the Build Back Better plan, and proponents of paid family leave are pushing for the provision to remain in the …

Community action agencies say many of the families they serve may never get a chance for long-term stability without reducing the burden of needs such as housing and child-care costs. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Federal Plan Could Do Wonders for Housing, Child Care in MN

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. -- In Congress, initial votes are possible this week on the Biden administration's budget reconciliation bill. From child care to …

When schools were able to offer free meals to all kids regardless of their financial situation at home during the global pandemic, school nutrition departments saw an increase in participation. (Adobe Stock)

Children's Advocates Urge Congress to Pass Build Back Better Act

DENVER - This week the U.S. House is expected to finally put the Build Back Better Act up for a vote, and children's advocates in Colorado are …

Numerous studies including from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shows disproportionate impacts of climate change on socially vulnerable populations in the United States. (Pixabay)

Advocates Call Build Back Better Essential For Environmental Justice

ORLANDO, Fla. - Advocates are calling on Florida's leaders to keep the momentum going after the U.N. Climate Change Summit by thinking of ways to …

According to a new AARP report, rural New Yorkers are more likely than urban residents to die prematurely from heart disease, cancer, unintentional injury, chronic lower respiratory disease and stroke. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Older, Rural New Yorkers Need Greater Healthcare Access

ALBANY, N.Y. -- A new report showed rural New Yorkers face disparities in access to healthcare, and advocates for older residents said it underscores …

Philadelphia has over 100 Park Friends groups that act as stewards of public lands in the city. (Adobe Stock)

PA Lawmakers Consider Bills to Keep Parks Programming Afloat

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Bills making their way through the Pennsylvania General Assembly would provide more resources to people who keep parks and …

A recent analysis put Wisconsin 36th in the nation for broadband internet access in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

Infrastructure Plan to Boost Broadband Access for WI Families

WAUSAU, Wis. -- In national rankings, Wisconsin has not always fared well in closing the digital divide, especially in rural areas, but advocates of …

The Build Back Better Act would fully fund universal pre-kindergarten in states for three years. (Inna/Adobe Stock)

Build Back Better Act Could Provide Universal Pre-K to ID

BOISE, Idaho -- The Build Back Better Act could provide universal pre-K to states, including those such as Idaho that currently don't fund school …

Advocates of President Joe Biden's Build Back Better agenda say it would create millions of well-paying jobs. (ehrlif/Adobe Stock)

MI Officials Urge Bold Action as COP26 Concludes

MARTIN, Mich. -- As leaders from around the world meet in Scotland, the United States' plan to tackle climate change is coming into focus. The Build …

Advocates for extending pandemic-related universal free school meals say the program helps remove the stigma of so-called "poor kids meals." (Adobe Stock)

Congress Urged to Make Free School Meal Program Permanent

GOTHENBURG, Neb. -- During the COVID health emergency, the federal government made school meals available for free to all students, regardless of …

The Build Back Better reconciliation proposal also seeks to extend the Earned Income Tax Credit for 17 million workers in retail, food-service, and other low-wage industries. (Clarksgirl/Morguefile)

Masto, Lee Tout Need for Build Back Better Reconciliation Bill

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- More affordable child care, universal Pre-K, an extension of the child tax credit, a new hearing, vision and dental benefit for …

Cutting greenhouse-gas emissions as part of an effort to slow climate change also reduces air pollutants, such as fine particulate matter, that harm human health, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (Adobe Stock)

NC Lawmaker: Build Back Better Act “Makes Up” for Time Lost on Emissions

DURHAM, N.C. -- North Carolina lawmakers say President Joe Biden's recently announced Build Back Better Act will help ensure generations of residents …

A nonpartisan analysis says South Dakota government would have to pay for only a small percentage of Medicaid expansion costs, if approved by voters. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed Medicaid Expansion for SD Enters Next Phase

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Secretary of State today is expected to receive signatures from a campaign pushing for Medicaid expansion. The …

Americans pay at least three times more than residents of other developed nations for the exact same prescription drugs. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Members Call on Congress to Rein In Big Pharma

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - After the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill late Friday, AARP is calling on lawmakers to pass …

There are 28 million American kids between the ages of 5 and 11 now eligible for the pediatric version of the coronavirus vaccination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (drfuenteshernandez/Pixabay)

COVID Battle Enters New Phase With Childhood Vaccinations

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Health officials are optimistic that broad immunity against COVID-19 can be achieved for children, now that the Centers for …

Virginia will benefit from the new infrastructure plan's $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization, which will reduce energy costs for families. (Adobe stock)

New Infrastructure Deal Called Critical to Climate Progress in Virginia

ASHBURN, Va. - Some Virginia lawmakers are applauding Friday's passage of President Joe Biden's infrastructure plan, claiming it's a critical step …

More than 44,000 people signed a petition supporting New York City cab drivers' debt relief from purchasing permits to own and drive a taxi. (Michayla Savitt)

More Aid on Way for NYC Yellow Cab Medallion Owners

NEW YORK -- The New York Taxi Workers Alliance and its allies are celebrating a new city deal which provides relief to cab drivers facing debt from pu…

Wisconsin's natural landscape is a key tourism draw, but local leaders demanding climate action say changing weather patterns could alter outdoor recreation. (Adobe Stock)

Local Leader: Climate Change Threatens Daily Life in WI

WESTON, Wis. -- In Washington, D.C. and on the other side of the globe, key talks continue surrounding climate-change solutions, and at the local …

Arizona Public Service provides energy to more than 2.7 million customers across the state. (Sashkin/Adobe Stock)

Arizona Regulators Cut Power Company's Rate-Hike Request

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Following pressure from consumer groups and ratepayers, the Arizona Corporation Commission this week made significant cuts to a …

The Build Back Better framework would promote renewables and move the United States toward a goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50% to 52% by 2030. (Niserin/Istockphoto)

PA Officials Press for Action on Climate Change

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Local leaders from Pennsylvania and across the country are pressing for decisive action in the fight against climate change…

President Joe Biden was one of many world leaders who spoke about the urgent need to take bold action to curb climate change at COP26. (White House)

Mainers Join World Leaders in Glasgow, Demand U.S. Climate Action

AUGUSTA, Maine -- As talks continue at the annual international climate summit, Mainers are among those urging the U.S. to follow up on its …

Thousands of Coloradans turned to Connect for Health Colorado, the state's health insurance marketplace, for the first time to get coverage after losing their employer-based insurance during the COVID health emergency. (Adobe Stock)

Financial Help for Health Coverage Available to More Coloradans

DENVER -- The costs of health insurance in Colorado are finally stabilizing, and Coloradans who do not get health coverage through their work will …

Nine out of ten U.S. consumers say they are more likely to shop at a small business that friends or peers have recommended. (Adobe Stock)

Reasons to Shop Local This Holiday Season

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Locally produced honey, artwork and handmade scarves and sweaters will not be stuck on a container ship this holiday season…

The Minnesota Homeownership Center says last year, it worked with 533 households to prevent foreclosure. (Adobe Stock)

Homeownership Groups Warn of Economic Fallout from Foreclosures

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Programs that allowed struggling homeowners to pause monthly payments during the pandemic have reached their limits for millions of …

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