Livable Wages/Working Families / Public News Service

President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990. (Wikimedia Commons)

Friday, July 26, 2024

CA advocates raise awareness for Disability Pride Month

July is Disability Pride Month, and today is the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Federal data show that more …

Most of the buses in Minnesota's rural transportation system are ADA-compliant and equipped with wheelchair lifts for passengers with disabilities. (Arrowhead Transit)

Friday, July 26, 2024

Rural MN communities gain expanded public transportation options

Traveling around rural Minnesota can be difficult but in more than half the state, nonprofit transit systems are helping people get where they need …

In the Keystone State, the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Federation of Teachers represents more than 36,000 members in 93 local affiliates throughout the Commonwealth. (BalanceFormCreative)

Friday, July 26, 2024

Harris touts student loan forgiveness, 'Fighting for Future'

Student loan forgiveness took center stage on Thursday at the American Federation of Teachers conference. The Biden administration has canceled more …

A report from the Illinois State Board of Education reveals the elementary school ratio of students to teacher is 17-to-1, and 18-to-1 for high school educators. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Teachers' conference unites IL educators for improving schools

Some Illinois educators made their way to Texas this week for an American Federation of Teachers convention. AFT is one of the nation's largest labor …

New EPA rules on tailpipe pollution are expected to lead to $62 billion in reduced annual fuel costs, and maintenance and repair costs for drivers. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, July 25, 2024

EPA clean-car standards projected to bring $100B annual benefits

Clean-air advocates in Colorado are celebrating new EPA standards, which they believe can play a major role in reducing air pollution impacting …

In New Mexico, immigrants account for 22% percent of the state's construction workforce. (NicholasFelix/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock)<br />

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Political scapegoating of immigrants surges ahead of U.S. elections

Polls show a significant number of Americans believe immigration is the most important issue facing the U.S. but experts argued claims of immigrants …

New York is facing a shortage of 180,000 teachers, which will only grow due to a steep retirement cliff the state faces in the coming years. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

NY teachers union launches pro-public education campaign

New York's United Federation of Teachers union is launching a campaign to bolster public education. It comes as public schools' role as a social …

Created by a bipartisan act of Congress in 2022, what is now called the Sun Bucks program provides $120 in nutrition benefits nationally during summer months to households whose children who qualify for free and reduced-price school meals. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Iowa advocates rally for kids' summertime food

Iowa is one of 13 states not participating in a federal summer food program for children. The Iowa Hunger Coalition has launched a petition drive to …

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten called on members to defend democracy, voting rights and public education in the run-up to the presidential election this November. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

MN educators join national calls for democracy, better working conditions

Politics and education reform are among the major topics at a national convention of more than 3,500 teachers union members this week, including some …

Brian Burton with the Arkansas Food Bank said children experiencing malnourishment have a tougher time learning in the classroom. (fotokitas/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Hunger is another struggle for Arkansas 'ALICE' residents

By Mary Hennigan for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop Rock…

Medicaid expansion has the potential to reduce the number of uninsured individuals in the state by 43%, according to a report by the nonprofit Alabama Arise. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

AL nonprofit urges Medicaid expansion to 'save rural hospitals'

An Alabama group is sounding the alarm about the need for Medicaid expansion, in part to keep rural hospitals in business. Many hospitals in Alabama …

SEIU members from the across the country met with the Biden-Harris administration at the White House. (Vacclav/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

WA nursing home workers get White House boost in union struggle

Nursing home workers in Washington state have come back from the White House with renewed resolve to fight for their union contract. A delegation of …

In a Pew Research survey conducted in April, 77% of teachers said their job was frequently stressful and 68% said it was overwhelming. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Ohio teachers voice concern over educator stress, burnout

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, is arguing for the continued role of unions in addressing economic inequality and …

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Politics take center stage at national convention for educators

After a historic weekend, politics turned out to be the major topic Monday at the national convention of more than 3,500 teachers union members…

Maryland has more than 750,000 renter households, representing 33% of all households in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Report: MD 'housing wage' 9th highest in U.S.

With rising housing costs an ongoing issue, a new report shows how fast rents have increased in Maryland and nationwide. The National Low Income …

Gov. Ron DeSantis approved $1.25 billion in the state budget for teacher pay. The average teacher salary in Florida, according to the National Education Association, is $53,098, more than $16,000 below the national average of $69,544. (Yan Krukau/Pexels)

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Florida educators rally at convention to address 'critical challenges'

Florida took center stage at the American Federation of Teachers national convention in Houston this week, as educators rallied to support and …

Inflation Reduction Act investments of $500 million will go toward converting a General Motors plant in Lansing to produce electric vehicles. Nearly $158 million will go to a facility in Marysville. (JHVEPhoto/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

EV industry praises federal investments in Michigan

Michigan's electric vehicle industry is praising the Biden administration for its latest investments in EV manufacturing and innovation. About $650 …

Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 27 states and remained unchanged in 23 states and the District of Columbia during the past year. (Rawpixel.com/AdobeStock)

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Report: PA unemployment still at 3.4%, record high jobs in June

The Keystone State continues offering a favorable landscape for Pennsylvanians seeking employment opportunities. Claire Kovach, senior research …

According to the Minnesota Housing Partnership, more than 640,000 households across the state are cost-burdened, meaning they pay more than they can afford for their housing. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Many Minnesotans squeezed by housing costs

Newly released data in Minnesota underscores what housing assistance groups have been preaching - it's become increasingly difficult for many people t…

The Farm Bill, which is updated every five years, covers programs ranging from crop insurance for farmers to healthy food access for low-income families, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. (Adobe Stock)

Plan to keep SNAP benefits in check doesn't sit well with WI advocates

Congress is back in session two more weeks before the August recess. Wisconsin voices worried about the future of a key hunger relief program hope …

A JLARC study finds childcare is unaffordable for 85% of Virginia households. (Adobe Stock)

State investments help bolster VA's flailing childcare industry

Virginia is making a financial investment to help tackle the state's childcare shortage. This year's budget allocates more than $1 billion to …

This week, the Biden administration announced $1.2 billion in student debt forgiveness for 35,000 public service workers, following the Supreme Court's rejection of Biden's broader student loan forgiveness plan last year. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Expert provides student loan repayment tips for Tennessee grads

Tennesseans who graduated from college this summer may be celebrating now but they have also just joined the millions of Americans facing student loan…

At least 36% of U.S. bridges need repair, including more than 76,000 in need of replacement, according to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MA secures $1 billion in federal funds for Cape Cod bridges

Massachusetts will receive close to $1 billion in federal funding to replace the Cape Cod bridges. Lawmakers said it is the largest single bridge …

U.S. vehicle manufacturing has been steadily declining since the 1970s, according to a report by the advocacy group All American. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Toledo plant to manufacture EVs with federal funding

Ohio will receive more than $32 million in federal funding to help revive auto manufacturing and jobs in the state, specifically electric vehicle …

Family members often become caregivers overnight and are suddenly responsible for helping with medications, medical care, meals, bathing and dressing, chores, finances, grocery shopping and transportation. AARP is traveling the state of Iowa to help educate caregivers. (AARP Iowa)

AARP 'road trip' educates IA caregivers where they are

AARP Iowa is on a road trip, taking knowledge to family caregivers wherever they are and helping them learn more about the resources that may be …

At its June 1 commencement, 83 students received diplomas as part of the second graduating class of the Erie County Community College class of 2024. Commencement speaker First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy DeFoor underscored the importance of continued community support for the school. (Peopleimages/Adobe Stock)

Erie's local college foundation helps students with unexpected expenses

As some colleges in Pennsylvania and nationwide close their doors, one school in Erie has taken a big step toward making higher education more …

A study from Ball State University's Center for Business and Economic Research showed the need for better pay to attract and keep child care workers. (Adobe stock)

High childcare costs hinder women's workforce participation in Indiana

A new study from Ball State University's Center for Business and Economic Research revealed how child care availability and costs affect women's workf…

In Colorado, more than 195,000 people work in agriculture across 38,900 farms and ranches. The industry supplies $47 billion to the state's economy annually. (Adobe Stock)

Addressing mental health needs of Colorado farming communities

In the past year, the Colorado AgrAbility Project added four behavioral health specialists to help the state's agricultural producers, workers and …

Researchers said children who live in poverty lose an additional two months of reading skills over the summer, with a lack of proper nutrition serving as a key factor. (Adobe Stock)

ND encourages more signups for kids' summer meal program

Some North Dakota leaders believe healthy food is part of what is needed to help all kids achieve better outcomes and they hope low-income families si…

A new report from the University of Connecticut School of Public Policy found Hispanic men face the lowest pay equity of all new and long-term hires in Connecticut's government workforce. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT government pay equity, representation needs work

A new report finds Connecticut's state government can improve pay equity and representation. The University of Connecticut School of Public Policy …

Mental health professionals said therapy can play a crucial role in helping ALICE populations cope with mental health issues. (ibreakstock/Adobe Stock)

Financial strains create mental-health issues for AR ALICE population

By LaGanzie Kale for KLEK-FM.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the KLEK-FM-Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation-Publi…

Colorado gets $156M from Inflation Reduction Act for 'Solar for All'

Colorado is calling on solar energy entrepreneurs to put $156 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding to work accelerating rooftop and community-ba…

The median monthly rent for all bedrooms and all property types in Las Vegas is $2,060, according to Zillow. (Adobe Stock)

Nevada leaders sound the alarm on housing crisis

Half of Nevada voters feel their political leaders are ignoring the housing crisis. Recent polling conducted by the Center for Popular Democracy and …

According to a 2022 Kids Count report, 20 North Dakota counties meet less than 60% of the child care demand in their counties. (Adobe Stock)

ND launches latest component of child care crisis response

North Dakota officials will highlight a new project today to boost childcare access for parents with nontraditional work hours. A local provider …

In a 2024 report from the National Education Association, South Dakota ranked 49th in the U.S. for average teacher salary, at about $53,000 a year. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Opponents: Ballot measure would have 'drastic' impacts on SD schools

A coalition of South Dakota groups is voicing its opposition to a ballot measure intended to end a state sales tax on consumables. If passed this …

If implemented, Project 2025 would make it legal to discriminate based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and delete terms including

Civil rights groups sound alarm on Project 2025

Civil rights groups are sounding the alarm about potential threats to American democracy posed by Project 2025, a roadmap created by the Heritage …

Cover crops protect soil from erosion and also help with weed control. (Practical Farmers of Iowa)

Helping IA farmers get more cover crops into the ground

An Iowa nonprofit group helps ag-related businesses grow to serve more farmers and get more cover crops planted in the state. Cover crops like rye …

Montana was chosen to host the $41 million Headwaters Hub partly because its rural geography makes it ideal for studying and creating jobs in photonics. (Adobe Stock)

Headwaters tech hub brings $41 million to MT

Montana has been granted $41 million to create a training and education program for new jobs in the high-tech sector. The Headwaters Hub is part of …

A $1 minimum wage increase could reduce suicides among those with a high school education or less by nearly 6%, according to a study funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. (SpaceOak/Adobe Stock)

MI construction industry responds to high number of worker suicides

In response to an alarmingly high number of suicides among construction workers, Michigan's construction leaders have taken measures to tackle mental …

In no state, county or metropolitan area in the United States can a worker earning the federal or prevailing state or local minimum wage afford a modest rental home at fair market rent by working a standard 40-hour work week, statistics show. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado housing costs 8th least affordable in nation

Colorado remains the eighth-least affordable state in the nation for housing, according to a new report from the National Low Income Housing …

Colorado hospitals and clinics have reported sharply increased numbers of uninsured people seeking care. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado posted 2nd-highest loss of Medicaid coverage in nation in May

In May, Colorado ranked second in the nation for the percentage of residents dropped from Medicaid health insurance rolls - including 500,000 who …

Mississippi allocates about $40 million annually to college student financial assistance. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Expert offers tips for smart student-loan repayment

Mississippians who have just graduated from college this summer may be celebrating now but they also just joined the millions of Americans facing stud…

The Poor People's Campaign said if poor and low-income people voted at the same rate as those in higher income brackets, they would have the power to sway elections in every state. (AI/Adobe Stock)

Poor People's Campaign rallies in D.C. ahead of election

With chants of "We are the swing vote," poor and low-wage workers gathered in Washington, D.C., recently to rally and strategize ahead of the …

Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., has held his seat since 2007. (Courtesy of Bob Casey for Senate campaign)

PA reaps major gains from Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Pennsylvania's landscape is being transformed through billions of dollars in federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastru…

Cherry-picking season has begun in Washington state. (Valmedia/Adobe Stock)

Fed judge restores higher WA farmworker wages

A ruling from a federal judge will keep Washington state growers from depressing wages for farmworkers this harvest season. Judge John Chun has …

Advocates to flood social media to promote Black Women’s Equal Pay Day

Today is Black Women's Equal Pay Day and at 11 a.m. PT, advocates hope to get the topic trending with a "social media storm." The wage gap is stark…

Before implementing a union contract, four of five year-round full-time City of Richmond workers did not earn enough money to support a family. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Richmond city workers’ first union contract to take effect

More than a year after City of Richmond workers filed to vote on a union contract, they are celebrating its implementation. The contract provides …

Finn Does (center), summit co-chair, and other youth participants at the 2023 Bay Area Youth Climate Summit in San Francisco. (Finn Does)<br />

'Composting' our emotions: How climate action cultivates well-being

By Elizabeth Hewitt for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

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