Economic Policy/Justice / Public News Service

A tax-cut package, passed in an Arkansas special legislative session, also increased the homestead property tax credit in Arkansas from $425 to $500. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Opponents of latest state tax cuts say they benefit wealthy Arkansans

Leaders of some nonprofit organizations in Arkansas are not happy with a recent tax cut package passed by the Legislature. The law reduces the tax …

As of June 2023, about 5% of Americans had unpaid medical bills on their credit reports - down from 14% in March 2022, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (Adobe Stock)

WV advocates: eliminate medical debt from credit scores

West Virginia healthcare advocates are applauding a recent proposed rule by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to remove medical bills from cred…

A New Mexico wildfire has killed two people, burned at least 200 homes and forced the evacuation of 5,000 residents in the mountain town of Ruidoso. (wiki)

FBI to take closer look at NM's uncontained South Fork, Salt wildfires

The FBI has joined New Mexico's local, state, federal and tribal partners to investigate the cause of two drought-fueled wildfires that have yet to …

In 2015, the Supreme Court extended marriage equality to all 50 states in Obergefell v. Hodges. Almost all same-sex couples surveyed reported the decision affected their lives. More than 60% of couples were married post-Obergefell even though their relationships started before 2015. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Report: Marriage equality strengthened families but many worry for future

Twenty years after the first state permitted marriage equality, a majority of same-sex married couples said it had a profound positive effect on …

The 2024 Summer U.S. Conference of Mayors in Kansas City, Mo., will be under the leadership of its president, Mayor Hillary Schieve of Reno, Nev., and host Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. <br />(SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe Stock)

MI mayor shifts priorities at conference after mass shooting in his city

Some Michigan mayors are out of the office this week - but still working for their cities. They're at the 92nd meeting of the United States …

The current version of the Farm Bill is an extension of the 2018 bill, which expired in 2023 and was extended for one year. (Kenishirotie/Adobe Stock)

MO advocates demand fairness in beef labeling, support for small farms

Family farm advocates are pushing for major changes in the new Farm Bill, including reduced subsidies for large factory farms, mandatory beef country-…

Oregon is set to receive $689 million from the federal government to connect all state residents to high speed internet. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

OR closer to receiving 'historic investment' in internet infrastructure

The stage is set for a massive investment in Oregon's plans to bring high-speed internet to everyone in the state. The second volume of Oregon's …

Advocates are concerned that large corporate

MN farmers push for more protection from corporate agriculture in Farm Bill

With a September deadline looming for Congress to finish work on renewing the Farm Bill, Minnesota family farmers are pushing for more regulations to …

North Dakota's Pembina Gorge Recreation Area will soon become the state's 14th state park, with a 55-site campground and six all-season full-service cabins. (Photo courtesy of North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department)

New ND state park adds weight to Great Outdoors Month messaging

As temperatures warm up, people are enjoying nature - and North Dakota officials hope to see many more do so in the future as a new state park comes …

Around 27% of South Dakotans who applied for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, funded by Inflation Reduction Act dollars in 2023, were accepted. (Marc Braner/Adobe Stock)

House Farm Bill could chop climate-smart programs

The U.S. House of Representatives will likely vote this summer on a version of the Farm Bill, which passed through the committee process last month…

Restaurants are the third-largest employer of young people ages 16 to 24 in New York. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Young NYers prioritize living-wage jobs at ballot box

A new report finds New York's rising cost of living and having living-wage jobs are priority issues for young voters. Research shows a single …

A 2015 study by the Boston Federal Reserve Bank found the median net worth for white households in Greater Boston was $250,000, while for Black households it was just $8. Researchers are currently updating those findings. (Adobe Stock)

MA Commission on Poverty tackles historic wealth gap

A Legislature-backed Commission on Poverty in Massachusetts aims to address the state's historic wealth gap. The commission will study demographic …

Between 2012 and 2022, more than 2 million landlord-tenant cases were filed in Michigan. <br />(Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Most MI tenants cannot afford their rent

Michigan has 1.1 million renter households. According to the 2024 Michigan Statewide Housing Needs Assessment, more than half struggle to pay rent…

The group Kids Forward says until 40 years ago, Wisconsin's Black residents actually earned more and had better jobs than their national counterparts. But it adds that years of policy decisions have worsened disparities in the Badger State, including well-being metrics for kids. (Adobe Stock)

WI makes the grade for child well-being, but education woes, disparities stick out

An annual report suggests Wisconsin has a strong foundation in creating positive outcomes for kids. But low-test scores and racial disparities show …

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports between April and July 2023, unemployment among youths nationwide rose by 826,000. (Adobe Stock)

IL study finds youths of color have fewer summer job offers

Summer jobs are a boost for companies needing seasonal help. But Black and Latino youths are not seeing the opportunities come their way. A report …

An analysis by the National Bureau of Economic Research found the drop in math scores between 2019 and<br />2022 will reduce lifetime earnings by 1.6% for 48 million pandemic-era students, a total of $900 billion in lost income. (Denis Mamin/Adobe Stock)

Data helps map a brighter future for Missouri's children

Missouri children are making strides in overall health but educational challenges remain, according to the 2024 Kids Count Data Book released by the …

A 538 poll shows former President Donald is ahead of President Biden by almost 5.5 points in Nevada. (Gage Skidmore/Flickr)

NV progressive groups react to Trump Las Vegas campaign rally

Donald Trump held a rally on Sunday in Las Vegas - one of his first since being convicted by a New York jury late last month. The former president …

North Dakota might top the nation when measuring the economic well-being of kids around state. But when specifically looking at education, it ranks 40th among all states. (Adobe Stock)

Despite positive ranking, ND sees worrisome trends for child well-being

On the surface, North Dakota is performing well in setting the tone for child well-being. However, an annual ranking finds certain indicators going …

About 60% of coal energy generation and 79% of all non-hydro clean energy were produced in rural America, according to a Rural Climate Partnership report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Rural communities deal with emissions from industries that benefit cities

Nearly 70% of Wyomingites live in non metro areas, and a new report finds that a large portion of the state's greenhouse-gas emissions originate …

MassEducate would invest $75.5 million in new spending to cover tuition and fees for all residents, and offer an up to $1,200 stipend for books, supplies and other costs to students who make 125% or less of median income in the state. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br />

Free community college plan in MA burdens underpaid, overworked staff

The Massachusetts Senate has proposed free community college for all residents, but educators say an influx of new students could overwhelm the …

Lansing received more than $5 million from the U.S. Department of Interior to improve the city's tree canopy, using the funding for projects like planting 2,000 trees. (Grindstone Media Grp)

Federal funds revive MI's capital city

The City of Lansing, once teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, has gotten a boost from millions of federal dollars. The funds are a combination of …

Over the last three years, the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund's CityStart program has focused specifically on racial wealth equality. (JonoErasmus/Adobe Stock)

AR capital receives grant money to improve Black wealth equity

The City of Little Rock is part of a national grant program designed to improve the financial status of Black communities. The Cities for Financial …

LNG is created when gas is cooled into a liquid that can be stored and shipped to destinations around the world. (Mike Mareen/Adobe Stock)

Decreased demand for liquefied natural gas could impact TX economy

Workers in the oil and gas industry are warily monitoring the supply and demand of liquefied natural gas, or LNG. Texas is one of the largest …

Ohio House Bill 285, the Nurse Workforce and Safe Patient Care Act, was introduced in Sept. 2023. (Rob/Adobe Stock)

Ohio Nurses Association declares 'Code Red' hospital staffing crisis

By Mara O'Malley / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. The Ohio Nurses Association …

The deadline for Congress to pass a new Farm Bill is Sept. 30, 2024, following a year-long extension of the 2018 Farm Bill. (Dusan Kostic/Adobe Stock)

SD lawmaker OK’s House Farm Bill draft, despite climate, food program cuts

After 13 hours of markups late last week, the House Committee on Agriculture passed its version of the massive piece of legislation known as the Farm …

The National Association of Broadcasters says more than 82 million individuals tune in to AM radio. (kittyfly/Adobe Stock)

AM radio in every car? The debate hits Missouri

The "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act" now in Congress would mandate all new cars in the U.S. be equipped with AM radios, which is stirring a debate in …

In 2023, over 40 million Americans received SNAP benefits each month. According to Feeding America, as many as 21 million more experience food insecurity but may not be eligible for SNAP benefits. (jetcityimage/Adobe Stock)

Despite higher food insecurity, House Farm Bill would cut SNAP benefits

Food insecurity is up in Nebraska and most parts of the country, according to the nonprofit Feeding America but the U.S. House Agriculture …

Despite recent increases, Wyomingites pay some of the lowest property taxes in the country. (Christopher Boswell/Adobe Stock)

WY governor to talk property tax shifts at 'TeleTown Hall'

Gov. Mark Gordon will address Wyomingites this week to detail new avenues for property tax relief. Following the pandemic, property values in …

The latest report from the Federal Trade Commission found some grocery price increases were unwarranted during the pandemic. (polack/Adobe Stock)

Report: Grocery prices unnecessarily inflated during pandemic

Americans got a bit of a reprieve last month, as food and auto prices dipped for the first time in 90 days. As Texas households continue to deal …

Roughly 900,000 households are expected to benefit from lower-cost, lower greenhouse-gas emitting solar energy once the EPA's Solar for All program has been fully implemented. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

NE Center for Rural Affairs' $62 million EPA grant will expand solar access

By Claire Carlson for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Deborah Van Fleet for Nebraska News Connection reporting for The Daily Yonder-Public News …

Arts and cultural production employed 4.1% of working Wyomingites in 2022, providing nearly 12,000 jobs. (Adobe Stock)

Wyoming’s creative economy is trending up

Wyoming is known for its wild landscapes, cowboy culture, and natural resources. Some are hoping to add the arts to that list. When ranked by the …

Iowa will consider amending its state Constitution to require a flat state income tax. (FranciscoJavier/Adobe Stock)

Iowa lawmakers' $2 billion tax cuts put services 'at risk'

The latest state tax cuts are expected to cost Iowa more than $2 billion in revenue over the next two years. Advocates for tax fairness argued …

Several house Republicans including New York's Mike Lawler signed a letter opposing CFPB's rule aimed at banning excessive credit card late fees. (Adobe Stock)

CFPB late fee rule could save NYers money

New Yorkers could benefit from a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule. It caps credit card late fees at $8, or - at the credit card …

A previous Bloomberg grant laid the groundwork for significant initiatives, such as the city's solar array and passage of the Issue 7 transportation levy. (jonbilous/Adobe Stock)

Empowering Cincinnati: Bloomberg grant fuels climate and equity initiatives

Cincinnati is part of Bloomberg Philanthropies' $200 million Sustainable Cities initiative and will hire three new staff members to merge climate solu…

Sen. John Rizzo, D-Independence, said 2024 has been a year of delays in the Missouri General Assembly. The budget came one week later than usual, and even agriculture bills required the support of Democrats. (Helistockter)

Last-minute Missouri House budget heads to governor

Missouri's House of Representatives approved a budget of about $51 billion just before a Friday 6 p.m. deadline. Gov. Mike Parsons has labeled it …

Alabama has a unionization rate of 7.5%, which is lower than the national average. In 2023, 156,000 people in Alabama's workforce belonged to a labor union. (Adobe Stock)

Workers at AL Mercedes Benz plants to make union decision

Today, workers at the Mercedes Benz plants in Vance and Woodstock, Alabama, will decide whether to form a union. More than 5,000 employees are …

Organizations tracking guaranteed income programs say there have been roughly 30 pilot initiatives tested across the country within the past few years. (Adobe Stock)

Checking pulse of guaranteed income programs

Wisconsin is among the states where guaranteed-income programs have been tested. A new report says, despite controversy, similar efforts are useful …

In a new poll commissioned by the Rural Democracy Initiative, nearly half of rural voters indicated they would vote for a culturally aligned rural Democrat over a Republican businessperson from an urban area on the East Coast. (Adobe Stock)

New poll outlines rural voter priorities, but party labels cloud results

President Joe Biden was in Wisconsin on Wednesday, touting plans for a new Microsoft data center. The visit comes amid new polling data in …

New poll shows rural voters aren't pigeonholed on key topics

Former President Donald Trump is expected to appear at a Minnesota fundraising event later this month. It comes amid new polling data in battleground …

A special session of the Missouri Legislature to complete the budget may be needed if it is not finalized by Friday at 6 p.m.(luzitanija/Adobe Stock)

Critical child care funding hangs in balance as Missouri budget nears deadline

Child care advocates are pushing for increased funding as the budget deadline approaches this Friday. Robyn Schelp, director of policy and advocacy …

In addition to claims of price gouging, consumer advocates say corporate consolidation has harmed grocery shoppers. (Adobe Stock)

Federal findings stoke more debate about grocery profits

Wisconsinites don't spend as much on groceries compared with other states. However, consumer groups say shoppers everywhere are still feeling the …

In 2018, America's top billionaires paid just 23% of their income in taxes, according to Americans for Tax Fairness. (Adobe Stock)

Report: America’s wealthiest now worth a record $5.8 trillion

The nation's billionaires have doubled their wealth over the past seven years, while working people in West Virginia and elsewhere continue to face …

While immigrants make up 10% of Oregon's population, they make up 13% of the working-age population ages 16-64, and a corresponding 13% of the labor force. (Natalie Kiyah, Oregon Food Bank)

'Food for All Oregonians' aims to extend food benefits to immigrants

Oregon advocates are shining a spotlight on hunger and related issues ahead of the fall elections. A recent report from the Immigrant Research …

The Vera Institute estimated more than 760,000 incarcerated people became eligible for Pell Grants when access was reinstated in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

VA can bolster higher education access for incarcerated people

Virginia advocates believe more can be done to make higher education accessible to incarcerated people. Only a handful of community colleges partner …

The Center for Responsible Lending has reported 70% of payday loan borrowers take out a new loan the day they pay off another loan and nearly 75% of the revenue earned by payday lenders comes from borrowers who take out 10 or more loans per year.(jetcityimage/adobe stock)

Michigan lawmakers target predatory loan companies

Michigan legislators are tackling predatory lending practices, aiming to set standards for payday loans and maximum interest rates. In Kent County …

Demonstrators appear at a recent Wisconsin rally, where attendees called for making the Social Security program stronger without cutting benefits. (Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans)

WI rallies highlight policy demands that 'retirement be dignified'

On this May Day, Wisconsin groups are rallying in Green Bay to highlight a key issue facing the working class: the ability to retire. Organizers see …

The 340B rule empowers select safety-net providers by providing discounts on outpatient prescription drugs and in reaching more eligible patients to provide comprehensive services. (Banana Images/Adobe Stock)

Big Pharma uses red-meat rhetoric in fight over drug costs

Access to reduced-price medication is a necessity for many rural Missourians with low income. Rep. Cindy O'Laughlin, R-Shelbina, the Senate Floor …

The New Hampshire Senate has voted to table a bill which would have rolled back some of the protections that outlaw discrimination against transgender people in public spaces but advanced two other bills which advocates say target LGBTQ+ students. (Adobe Stock)

NH businesses, educators: anti-LGBTQ bills hurting kids, economy

Some New Hampshire businesses and educators say legislation targeting LGBTQ+ students is harming both kids and the state's economy as it faces a criti…

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