Livable Wages/Working Families / Public News Service

As of August, enrollment in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System had reached 66,114 students, representing an increase of 8.4%, according to state data. (Adobe Stock/AI generated image)

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

KY Community and Technical College System plans major changes

Nearly a dozen changes could be made to the Kentucky Community and Technical College system, under Senate Joint Resolution 179, passed by lawmakers …

Medical bills are the leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States, emphasizing the importance of having health insurance. (Shutter2U/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Missourians reminded of final weeks to secure health coverage

We're entering the last few weeks of open enrollment, and Missourians are being reminded to secure health coverage before it's too late. The …

In 2022, around 63% of Republican voters in the U.S. did not have college degrees, compared to 49% of Democratic voters, highlighting the educational divide in political affiliation. (gguy/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Has Ohio lost its battleground state status?

By Vanessa Davidson / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. “As Ohio …

New Mexico joined more than a dozen other states in 2023 offering child tax credits meant to boost economic security. (courtesy New Mexico Voices for Children)

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Report: Tax credits shrink poverty for NM's kids, families

Child tax credits offer a financial lifeline to parents and can lift children out of poverty, according to a report from New Mexico's Voices for …

The Postal Service reports a net loss of $9.5 billion for the end of fiscal year 2024 in September - $3 billion more than the previous year. (Lost_in_the_Midwest/Adobe)

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

PA postal union concerned new changes will slow, delay holiday mail

Pennsylvanians mailing holiday cards and gifts may face delays due to proposed postal changes. The Postal Service costs-cutting plans include …

New Hampshire's roughly 4,000 farms support more than 20,000 jobs and provide an economic value of $1.2 billion dollars through direct product sales, labor and agritourism, according to the University of New Hampshire. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 23, 2024

NH farmers brace for Trump tariffs as farm income declines

New Hampshire's farming community is bracing for potential fallout from President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs. Agricultural goods were a …

More cities are looking into establishing a renter's right to cooling equipment, as climate change drives record-breaking temperatures across the world. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 23, 2024

Following the TX model: Cities craft plans to protect tenants from extreme heat

By Ysabelle Kempe for Smart Cities Dive.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public N…

The USPS says texts with questionable tracking information and clickable links should be avoided in order to prevent scammers from gaining personal information. (Rokas/Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 23, 2024

USPS warns AR residents to be aware of 'smishing' scams

Many folks are still expecting holiday packages this week, and the United States Postal Service is warning customers not to fall for what are known …

Ag policy experts wonder if a second Trump administration will create a more regulatory-friendly environment for larger livestock operations and commodity farmers. They say growing a lot of corn, for example, might appear good, but it fuels feed for concentrated animal feeding operations. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 23, 2024

A giant policy question mark lies before smaller, independent farms

From declining commodity prices to unpredictable weather, American farmers are at a crossroads - especially smaller operations. And they're …

Kentucky public schools serve 634,424 students, according to state data. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 23, 2024

KY public schools: Large employers who help meet community needs

On the heels of voters' overwhelming rejection of Amendment 2 in November, Kentucky public school employees are urging lawmakers to double down on …

As of 2023, Wisconsin is home to over 450,000 small businesses, employing nearly 1 million people.<br />(Adobe Stock)

An Eau Claire small business braces for Trump tariffs

As the new year quickly approaches, Wisconsin business owners and shoppers alike are bracing for the prospect of tariffs from a new administration …

The work of GreenLatinos Texas, centers around empowering frontline environmental justice and conservation advocates. Members are actively engaging with local communities to understand their campaign goals and identify areas where support is needed. (Photo courtesy of Green Latinos)

TX group works to give Latinos seat at table in fight against methane

Members of the environmental nonprofit GreenLatinos are involved in a push to get more Latinos across Texas involved in the fight against methane gas…

Agriculture contributes $42 billion to Oregon's economy each year, while the average farmworker earns less than $25,000 a year. (Alessandro Biascioli/Adobe Stock)

Breaking ground on affordable housing for OR farmworkers

Construction will begin early next year on new affordable housing dedicated to low-income Oregon farmworkers. This project is the latest by the …

Thirteen states and the District of Columbia have laws providing paid family and medical leave programs for eligible workers, according to federal data. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Push for paid parental leave for KY state employees

Kentucky's 33,000 state employees face challenges taking time off from work after giving birth to a child or adopting, and many are forced to use …

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included $600 million to boost salaries for 11,200 wildland firefighters in the U.S. for two years. (Adobe Stock)

Montana wildland firefighters face drastic pay cut

Montana's wildland firefighters face a drastic pay cut at the end of this week without congressional action. Nationwide, the Bipartisan …

Federally employed firefighters hope to see a permanent pay bump to replace the pay increases granted in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Federal wildland firefighters need permanent pay bump

As the federal government works this week to avoid a shutdown, federal wildland firefighters are waiting to see if their recent pay increase will …

The American Postal Workers Union said under a new proposal, mail that used to take three days from the East Coast to the West Coast will now take five days. (Lost_in_the_Midwest/Adobe Stock)

Postal workers' union says new proposal would slow mail

The American Postal Workers Union is pushing back against proposed changes to the Postal Service they said would slow delivery. Among other things…

Graduation rates in behavioral health fields at Maryland's colleges and universities have experienced declines from pre-pandemic levels, according to a report from the Maryland Health Care Commission. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MD must address behavioral health specialist shortages

Maryland is facing a significant shortage of behavioral health professionals and a new report from the Maryland Health Care Commission offered some su…

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 40% of full-time undergraduate students and 74% of part-time undergraduates were employed while enrolled, with many working over 20 hours per week to cover living expenses. (jaz_online/Adobe Stock)

OH students fight for fair, livable on-campus wages

By Hevin Wilkey / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Ohio students are …

Since 2009, the Bentleyville Tour of Lights has dazzled attendees with an array of lights spread across Duluth's Bayfront Park. (Photo courtesy of Bentleyville Facebook page)

Taking in a big holiday light show? Give a nod to union workers

Over the next few weeks, many Minnesotans will travel to big holiday light shows such as the Bentleyville attraction in Duluth and It is not just …

Colorado's Community Food Grants are expected to create economic benefits for local economies, much like SNAP benefits that add $1.50 for every dollar invested. (Adobe Stock)

Nearly 90 food banks, pantries across Colorado get $2,611,500

Colorado is distributing over $2.6 million to food banks and pantries to ensure that the state's one in seven children facing hunger can access nutrit…

A recent report says data centers will use nearly a quarter of all Oregon's electricity by 2030. Without changes, households may have to fit the bill. (AntonioDiaz/Adobe Stock)

Caps on utility rate hikes may be coming in 2025

After years of double-digit rate hikes on electricity bills, some relief might be in sight. Oregon Citizens' Utility Board, or CUB, has proposed a 7…

Julie Su, acting Secretary of Labor and Deb Haaland, Secretary of the Interior, joined labor advocates to celebrate President Joe Biden's establishment of the Frances Perkins National Monument in Newcastle, Maine. (Maine AFL-CIO)

National monument in Maine honors labor advocate Perkins

A new national monument in the town of Newcastle in Maine will honor FDR-era Labor Secretary Frances Perkins. The first woman to serve in a …

Despite strong federal regulations governing child labor, some states, such as Iowa, have weakened protections in order to compensate for what industries say is a labor shortage. (Creative Commons)

Worker shortage pushes Iowa employers to hire children for dangerous jobs

A conflict between federal child labor regulations and those passed by the Iowa Legislature has increased the number of businesses fined for hiring ch…

Approximately one in every 1,250 individuals in North Carolina is unhoused. (Adobe Stock)

Organization helps NC woman advocate for housing, awareness

One life-altering situation turned a North Carolina woman's stability into homelessness and now, she is sharing her journey to humanize homelessness …

The U.S. is home to more than 408,000 undocumented students enrolled in higher education. Less than 1,000 undocumented students graduate from New Hampshire high schools each year, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. (Adobe Stock)

Mass deportations could spur economic losses on par with Great Recession

New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte says she will support President-elect Donald Trump's plan to deport the nation's 11 million undocumented immigrant…

Minimum wages will rise in 14 states and 39 localities because of cost-of-living adjustments. Meanwhile, eight states and 47 localities will see minimum wages hit or surpass $15 per hour for some workers. (IcemanJ/Adobe Stock)

Despite nationwide pay increases, PA minimum wage remains stagnant at $7.25

In January, low-wage workers in Pennsylvania will be missing out on pay hikes seen in 23 other states. Neighboring states such as Ohio are starting …

Hoosiers must first file the FAFSA to access nearly all forms of financial aid for college. (Adobe stock)

Many Hoosiers still confused about paying for college

Indiana families see value in higher education, but many are still confused about how to pay for it. A new survey by INvestEd, a nonprofit based in …

Even amid a national push by Republican policymakers for school choice, including vouchers, voters in some conservative heavy states this fall rejected the idea at the ballot box. Policy experts say they also drum up constitutional issues. (Adobe Stock)

Will ND expand school choice? If so, what would it look like?

North Dakota students will soon be on holiday break. When they return, state lawmakers are expected to debate giving families financial support …

Each year, immigrants add $54 billion to Colorado's economy. (Adobe Stock)

Economic damage of mass deportation on par with Great Recession

As President-elect Donald Trump doubles down on promises to round up and deport the nation's 11 million undocumented immigrants, the city of Castle …

More than 54% of new clean-energy jobs and 60% of projects in Georgia are located in low-income<br />communities. (Adobe Stock)

Georgia’s clean energy boom sparks workforce growth, housing challenges

By Sarah Melotte and Elizabeth Miller for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for Georgia News Connection for the Public News Servic…

Ohio ranked 26th in the nation for per-pupil K-12 education funding in 2024, slightly below the national average. With a higher proportion of charter schools than many states and mixed performance outcomes, state policies often focus on addressing disparities and improving results in both. (Adobe Stock)

Standardized test scores at center of Ohio education debate

Ohioans are paying close attention to the fast-tracking of Senate Bill 295 through the Statehouse during the lame-duck session. The proposed …

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy first slowed down the mail in 2021 by lengthening

Postal worker union says new proposal would slow mail

The American Postal Workers Union is pushing back against proposed changes to the Postal Service they said would slow delivery. Among other things…

Worker-owned businesses are 25% more likely to stay in business while helping to improve economic and racial equity, according to the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership. (Adobe Stock)

MA worker co-op movement backs REI union contract efforts

Union workers fighting for a fair contract at Recreational Equipment, Inc. Boston are drawing support from the state's growing worker co-op community…

Goodwill of Southern Nevada is celebrating its 50th anniversary in February. (Mike Mozart / Flickr)

Goodwill of Southern NV's train-to-hire programs help meet demand

Goodwill of Southern Nevada is most known for its thrift stores and donation centers and is also instrumental in getting Nevadans trained and hired by…

Federal officials said construction vests too small for larger workers could limit their mobility in a dangerous situation on a job site, one reason why they are moving forward with a new rule requiring such gear to properly fit all workers. (Adobe Stock)

One size fits all? Not so, says OSHA for construction protection gear

With winter underway, outdoor construction workers in North Dakota are likely wearing safety vests over their heavy coats and a new federal rule was …

In the latest poll by No Kid Hungry Virginia, 78% of respondents said it has become more difficult to afford groceries in the last year. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia families grapple with food insecurity, advocates urge more support

Rising grocery prices and the end of pandemic-era benefits have left many Virginia families struggling to make ends meet. A recent poll from No Kid …

More Texans than ever have signed up for health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act, with more than one in nine residents covered under government-subsidized health plans.<br />(C Davids/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Cuts to ACA, Medicaid, CHIP could affect millions of Texans

More than 3 million Texans could be affected if changes are made to the Affordable Care Act. During the 2024 campaign, President-elect Donald Trump …

New York State is allocating $35.3 billion in total school aid, an $825 million increase from 2024. It also includes a $507 million increase in foundation aid. (Adobe Stock)

Study charts updates needed for NYS school funding formula

A new study provides New York State with an outline of necessary updates to its school funding formula. The Rockefeller Institute study called for …

Virginia is one of the top 10 states in the nation for Christmas tree production. (jannoon028/Freepik)

Behind the Joy: Untold labor of Christmas tree production

As families across the country prepare to celebrate the holiday season, the joy of decorating a Christmas tree is a time-honored tradition. But the …

CollegeRecruiter.com indicates small businesses or certain high-level companies may not publicly post certain positions for confidentiality reasons or wanting to control the applicant pool. (Adobe Stock)

IL workers to see pay, benefit information in job postings

Some companies will have new rules to follow amid changes to the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003. House Bill 3129 ensures employers with four or more …

In an October report from the Minnesota Department of Health covering 2017-2021, it was noted health care spending growth in the state had exceeded 5% in four of the past five years. (Adobe Stock)

In challenging health coverage times, MN union victory seen as hopeful sign

The tragedy surrounding UnitedHealthcare has brought renewed focus on cost barriers within the health care system. A group of Minnesota unions said …

California and 11 other states have banned employers from subjecting workers to mandatory anti-union meetings. (Adobe Stock)

As Biden nominee fails in Senate, workers may lose ground with new NLRB

With unionization on an upswing of late, experts anticipate policy changes at the national level will reverse worker gains. The number of labor …

The Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program helps 40 million people put food on the table every month. (Adobe Stock)

NY, U.S. could see big effects from Trump’s proposed budget cuts

New York could see major effects from President-elect Donald Trump's proposed budget cuts. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's Department of Government …

In 2021, Black people owned less than 2% of companies within the $18 billion cannabis industry, according to a report by Leafly. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Worker-owned cannabis co-ops in RI aim for economic justice

Worker-owned cannabis cooperatives in Rhode Island are striving to help those affected by the war on drugs. State law mandates at least six retail …

As of October, Florida's Medicaid enrollment stands at 4,307,965, according to the state's Agency for Health Care Administration. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed federal cuts to health programs could impact millions of Floridians

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for office, federal health programs affecting 85 million low-income Americans, including millions in Florida…

A record 93% of marketplace enrollees, or 19.3 million people, receive premium tax credits, according to Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (Digiman Studio)

Nevadans encouraged to look at health care options during open enrollment

Nevadans have until Dec. 31 to shop for health coverage through the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period. Katie Charleson, communications …

Expungement opportunities in North Carolina focus on three main categories: first-time nonviolent offenses, certain offenses committed before age 22, and charges dismissed or resolved as

North Carolina toolkit simplifies expungement process for second chances

Navigating the process of expunging criminal records can be overwhelming but for many, it is a critical step toward building a better future…

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