Consumer Issues / Public News Service

Oregon's Latino workforce numbers 200,000, according to the organization Causa. (F8studio/Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 20, 2021

Initiative Shows How to Tackle Digital Divide for Latino Households

PORTLAND, Ore. - A growing slice of the workforce is Hispanic, but a disproportionate number of Hispanic households don't have regular access to the …

A new survey finds the nation's community colleges educate more people than coding boot camps, apprenticeship programs and government job training combined. (trapezemike/Pixabay)

Monday, September 20, 2021

Survey: Community College Workforce Programs Prove Popular

AUSTIN, Texas - A new national survey of community and technical colleges highlights the importance of job-focused education and training. It finds …

Social Security lifts more than one million U.S. children out of poverty, along with some 26,000 elderly residents in Wyoming. (Adobe Stock)

Economists Challenge Warnings of Social Security's Demise

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Social Security, the program credited with lifting 15 million older residents in Wyoming and across the U.S. out of poverty…

Indiana ranks 44th out of 50 states for bankruptcy. (Andriy Blokhin/Adobe Stock)

Coalition Launches to Push Back Against Predatory Lending

INDIANAPOLIS -- A new coalition is forming to push back against predatory lending and urge state lawmakers to take action to protect consumers…

The transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse-gas emissions in New York state, according to the state's Department of Environmental Conservation. (Adobe Stock)

As Extreme Weather Continues, NY Pushes to Reduce Vehicle Emissions

ALBANY, N.Y. - Clean-energy groups are touting new zero-emissions vehicle initiatives in New York, part of the state's ongoing effort to reduce the …

Researchers say education, race and political ideology often are major factors in vaccine hesitancy. (Pixabay/pixunfertig)

Study: Vaccine Hesitancy is Predictable

LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- A new study showed people who do not have a close friend or family member who has experienced a run-in with COVID-19 are more …

In 2018, there were an estimated 1,115,000 career and volunteer firefighters in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association. (TheHilaryClark/Pixabay)

PFAS: A Plague for Humans, Especially Firefighters

DALLAS -- Lawmakers and regulators are increasingly mobilizing behind efforts to crack down on so-called "forever chemicals" known as Perfluorinated a…

During the Great Recession, 50 million Americans experienced food insecurity, compared with an estimated 38 million during last year's economic fallout from COVID-19. (Adobe Stock)

Food Insecurity Rose for Single Moms, Families of Color in 2020

DENVER - The rate of people experiencing hunger in Colorado and across the U.S. remained statistically steady overall during 2020, according to …

The federal Emergency Broadband Program has doled out more than $400 million since May, making high-speed internet more affordable for millions of Americans. (Brittany Hosea Small/AARP)

Federal Pandemic Program Gives Discounts on Internet, Laptops

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Advocates for older Americans are working to spread the word about a federal program to cut people's internet bills. The …

A former regulator took more than $4 million from FirstEnergy to further the company's interests. (AdobeStock)

Critics Continue Calls for Big-Picture Review of FirstEnergy's Dealings

By Kathiann M. Kowalski for Eye on Ohio, The Ohio Center for Investigative Journalism Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann for Ohio News Connection…

Some seniors experiencing food insecurity collect too much in Social Security benefits to qualify for federal SNAP (food stamp) benefits, and must rely on a local food bank to tide them over. (Queen/Pixabay)

Albuquerque Food Bank Joins National Hunger Action Month

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The number of people struggling to put food on the table in New Mexico has decreased since the onset of the pandemic, but those …

Researchers at Consumer Reports are particularly interested in hearing from rural households of color in a survey on internet speed, reliability and cost. (Prosstock/Adobe Stock)

Consumer Reports Asks Americans to Upload Internet Bills

By Adilia Watson. Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter. Reporting for the Daily Yonder-Arkansas News Service Collaboration Consumer Reports, in …

In a recent poll, Arizona voters said while they want some changes made to parts of the health-care system, they don't want to scrap it and start over. (Valerie Luzina/Adobe Stock)

Arizonans Tell Pollsters They Want Health-Care Costs Reduced

TUCSON, Ariz. - As the COVID-19 pandemic surges yet again, new research finds Arizonans are concerned about both the cost and the quality of their …

Nearly one in five Americans has an unpaid medical debt currently in collections. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Nearly one in five Americans has an unpaid medical debt currently in collections. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Expense Tops Coloradans' Health-Care Concerns

DENVER - Coloradans increasingly are concerned about rising health-care costs, according to a new poll. It found many Colorado families are …

Around 85% of more than 200 small business owners in New York feel that workplace retirement savings plans are too expensive to pay on their own, according to an AARP NY survey. (Adobe Stock)

Push is On for Stronger NY Retirement Savings Program to Become Law

ALBANY, N.Y. -- A bill to bolster the New York Secure Choice Savings Program will reach Gov. Kathy Hochul's desk in the coming months. Proponents of …

A new poll shows that Nevadans favor policies to lower deductibles and prevent insurance companies from selling junk plans. (Volgariver/Adobestock)

New Poll Indicates High Anxiety About Health-Care Costs in NV

CARSON CITY, Nev. - The rising cost of health care is a top concern for Nevadans, according to a new poll. The survey, of 600 registered voters …

A recent poll finds 68% of Montanans have struggled to pay a medical bill, even while they had health insurance. (Valeri Luzina/Adobe Stock)

Poll: Montanans Eager to See Health-Care Costs Go Down

HELENA, Mont. - As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, Montanans are thinking about the quality of their health care, according to new research. A poll …

Nearly three-quarters of Washingtonians say they're at least somewhat concerned about a surprise medical bill. (Valeri Luzina/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Washingtonians Seek Quality Health Care at Affordable Price

SEATTLE - The COVID-19 pandemic has put into sharp focus the quality of health care for Washingtonians. According to a new poll, more than three …

A new report finds that very low-income households make up 18% of all student loan borrowers but are only 6% of participants in the income-dependent repayment plan. (mnirat/Adobe Stock)

Advocates Press for Reform Before Student Loan Repayment Deadline

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - In January, student loan borrowers will have to start paying off their loans again, as the pandemic-related pause on payment is …

In a new poll, 59% of voters in Pennsylvania say they're stressed out about not being able to afford their monthly premiums for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: PA Voters Want Lawmakers to Help Keep Health-Care Costs Down

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvanians are growing more concerned with the affordability of their health care, according to a new poll. More than 600 …

New Mexico has been a major producer of oil and natural gas since hydrocarbons were first discovered in the state during the early 1920s. (San Juan Citizens Alliance)

NM Engages With Biden's Energy Secretary on Methane Rules

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- As New Mexico leans into renewable-energy goals, clean-air advocates highlighted both progress and challenges during a recent …

Research has found SNAP benefits cover 43% to 60% of what it costs to eat meals consistent with federal guidelines for what constitutes a healthy diet. (Adobe Stock)

SNAP Benefit Boost Could Help More TN Families Afford Healthy Diet

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Advocates say the USDA's recent 25% Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit increase, slated to go into effect …

Total spending by health-insurance companies to pharmacies in Colorado increased from $2.9 billion to $3.2 billion between 2017 and 2019, even after accounting for drug manufacturers' rebates to insurance payers. (Adobe Stock)

Drug Rebates Linked to Rising Prescription Drug Costs

DENVER -- The costs of prescription drugs continue to rise in Colorado and across the U.S., according to a new report from the Center for Improving …

A congressional proposal calls for several reforms for private equity firms, including more transparency in financial reporting. (Adobe Stock)

WI Plant Closure Seen as Example for Private-Equity Reform

JANESVILLE, Wis. -- A Wisconsin city that has seen its share of manufacturing jobs leave is experiencing pain again, prompting workers and financial-…

Police department parking lots and their video surveillance often are used as safe trading spots for people completing a transaction that began online. (Adobe Stock)

Police in ND: Avoid a Ripoff When Trading Items in Person

WEST FARGO, N.D. - West Fargo is the latest North Dakota city to offer "safe" trading spaces for online transactions. While not all communities …

More "Safe Trading" Spots Pop Up for Online Transactions

WEST FARGO, N.D. - Minnesota and neighboring states are seeing more police departments offer "safe" trading spaces for online transactions. While not …

About 70 percent of people over the age of 65 will need long-term services in their lifetime. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Private Long-Term Insurance Costly Alternative to WA Cares Fund

SEATTLE - Washington state has established a long-term care fund for working people, but advocates of the program are concerned about predatory …

A lightning-fast internet connection is something thousands of Arizona households just don't have. This might change if the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act gets through the U.S. House of Representatives. (xiaoliangge/Adobe Stock)

Infrastructure Plan Would Bring Broadband Access, Jobs to Arizona

TUCSON, Ariz - Advocates of broadband internet are urging the U.S. House to pass the bipartisan $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill passed by the …

President Joe Biden has predicted that projects funded by the infrastructure bill would create 2 million jobs per year over the course of a decade. (James Thew/Adobestock)

"Broadband Brigade" Presses for Passage of Infrastructure Bill

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Groups that want to see high-speed internet extended to all areas of the country are pressing the U.S. House to pass President …

Tens of millions of Americans lack reliable and affordable access to high-speed internet access, seen as critical for accessing education, health care, work and business opportunities. (Adobe Stock)

Broadband Infrastructure Plan Expected to Bring Jobs to Colorado

DENVER -- Advocates for closing America's digital divide are urging Congress to pass legislation which would invest $65 billion to build out high-spee…

A directive signed by New Mexico's governor Monday aims to broaden LGBTQ inclusivity by providing better state services. (SatyaPrem/Pixabay)

NM Advances Sexual-Orientation and Gender-Identity Data Collection

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Bridging gaps in services for LGBTQ New Mexicans is the goal of an executive order signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Monday…

Based on its 2020 census data growth, Texas will be one of six states to gain Congressional seats, and the only state to get more than one. (dixoncain/Pixabay)

2020 Census Data Puts Spotlight on Texas' Growing Suburbs

AUSTIN, Texas -- Many states have implemented independent commissions to oversee redistricting based on the 2020 Census count, but Texas is not one …

Almost half of all Black adults say they do not answer a call from someone they do not know, but two thirds report using the same or similar passwords across different accounts. (Adobe Stock)

Report Reveals Scammer Tactics Targeting Black, Latino Adults

DENVER - Nearly 40% of Black and Latino adults in Colorado and across the U.S. have been targeted by scammers, according to new AARP research…

There are 818 bridges in poor condition in Texas, according to a Biden administration report on the country's infrastructure. (heiyeuiu/Pixabay)

How Much Will Infrastructure Bill Benefit Texans?

DALLAS, Texas - As the largest investment in the country's infrastructure inches forward, Texas stands to benefit considerably from new jobs and …

Last week's U.N. report on climate change finds that each of the last four decades has been warmer than any decade before it since 1850. (inkdrop/Adobe Stock)

MI Groups Urge Bold Action to Tackle Climate Change

LANSING, Mich. - As Congress works on an infrastructure package, advocates for climate action say bold steps to curb greenhouse-gas emissions and …

Many North Carolina small-business owners say feel financially squeezed by the high cost of health coverage for employees. (Adobe Stock)

NC Business Leaders Say Boosting Health Coverage is Key to Economic Stability

RALEIGH, N.C. - As the Delta variant continues to spread and vaccination rates stagnate, small businesses are advocating for efforts to expand health-…

Safety standards for radiofrequency radiation from cell towers and wireless devices are based on studies done only on adults, not children. (Kevin Mottus/California Brain Tumor Association)

Advocates Press for New Cell-Phone Radiation Limits After Court Victory

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Wireless safety advocates are calling on the Biden administration to develop a policy on safer cell-phone technology in the wake …

In North Dakota, more than 90% of nursing-home residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, compared with just 64% of staff. (Adobe Stock)

As Variants Spread, Vaccination Pressure Builds for Nursing-Home Staffs

BISMARCK, N.D. - Amid a COVID-19 resurgence, advocates are calling on nursing homes to require that all staff members get vaccinated. Both nationally …

New York's Climate Act has a target goal of 70% renewable energy by 2030, and 9,000 MW of offshore wind energy by 2035. (Adobe Stock)

NY Clean-Energy Industry Buoyed by Infrastructure Act Passage

ALBANY, N.Y. -- The Senate-approved Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has $15 billion allocated for the electric vehicle industry, and is …

Many Missourians don't have broadband because they don't need or want it, can't afford it, or don't have a reliable computer. (Adobe Stock)

Missouri Lags Behind Other States in Broadband Access, Adoption

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Missouri lags behind many other states in broadband access and adoption, which can limit people's ability to participate in the …

Students' identities can be easily obtained online from school postings on Facebook. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Students' identities can be easily obtained online from school postings on Facebook. (Adobe Stock)

School Posts on Facebook Could Threaten Student Privacy

By Joshua Rosenberg for The Conversation.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Tennessee News Service. Like many of us, schools in the United …

Turnover for direct-care professional positions, many of which pay minimum wage with no benefits, has been as high as 60%. (Adobe Stock)

Disabled Community Urges Congress to Boost Home-Care Infrastructure

DENVER -- As infrastructure legislation makes its way through Congress, advocates for people with disabilities are urging lawmakers to boost …

During the COVID-19 medical emergency, Medicaid and Medicare are reimbursing telehealth at the same rate as in-person care. Beyond the pandemic, federal reimbursement parity remains uncertain. (Adobe Stock)

Social Worker: Telehealth Reimbursement Parity Critical for Future

AUGUSTA, Maine - The pandemic has revealed the benefits of telemedicine - but advocates are concerned that in Maine, some providers may not be able …

Americans who miss the Aug. 15 special enrollment deadline to obtain health coverage through the Affordable Care Act will need to wait until Nov. 1 for another chance to apply. (aarp.org)

Deadline Approaches for Special ACA Health-Insurance Enrollment

AUSTIN, Texas - One week remains before the window closes for Texans to take advantage of a special enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act…

Most Wyoming residents who would gain health coverage under Medicaid expansion are employed, and all earn below 138% of the federal poverty level - about $1,500 a month for an individual or $3,000 a month for a family of four. (Adobe Stock)

Health Professionals Urge Lawmakers to Expand Medicaid

RIVERTON, Wyo. -- Wyoming medical professionals are urging state lawmakers to act before it's too late to take advantage of a pandemic-related …

Community Health Centers pivoted to telehealth, including online paperwork systems for patients to check-in from home or from their car during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

COVID Innovations Celebrated During National Health Center Week

DENVER - Sunday marked the beginning of National Health Center Week, a chance to spotlight important contributions made by safety-net hospitals and …

Arkansas True Grass's proposed amendment would have the state's Agriculture Department regulate the recreational marijuana industry. (Adobe Stock)

AR Group Gathers Signatures to Get Recreational Marijuana on Ballot

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas marijuana activists are pushing to get a recreational-cannabis amendment on the 2022 ballot. Arkansas True Grass …

The pandemic year of 2020 saw at least a 27% drop in kids' doctor visits, according to a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute. (Ben_Kerckx/Pixabay)

COVID, Lockdowns Cited as Cause for Reduced Childhood Vaccinations

AUSTIN, Texas -- Many of us lost track of days and months during the pandemic, and that may be why some parents skipped their kids' well-child visits …

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