Livable Wages/Working Families / Public News Service

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 …

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 …

North Carolina ranks sixth in the nation for the number of migrant farmworkers employed on agricultural farms. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 29, 2021

NC Faith Leaders to Meet with Reynolds Tobacco on Farmworkers’ Rights

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Faith leaders are urging tobacco companies to support migrant workers employed by their contract farms. A group of clergy will meet …

Idaho student-loan borrowers have an average of about $32,000 in public and private education debt. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 29, 2021

Ready or Not, Student-Loan Payments Set to Resume Next Year

BOISE, Idaho - Student loan borrowers take note: a pause on federal student-loan payments is set to end in February. The moratorium on payments has …

The federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program in Massachusetts runs from Nov. 1 to April 30. (pololia/Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 29, 2021

Stay Warm This Winter with Fuel Assistance, Weatherization Programs

GLOUCESTER, Ma. -- As cold weather moves in, agencies are working to make sure Massachusetts residents know how to apply for fuel assistance and …

Minnesota student-loan borrowers have an average of $31,250 in public and private education debt. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 29, 2021

Student Loan Payment Relief Set to Expire

MINNEAPOLIS -- Student loan borrowers take note: A pause on federal student-loan payments is set to end when February rolls around. The moratorium on …

The <a href= — The 2021 Nevada Children's Health Report from the Children's Advocacy Alliance found that only 56 percent of uninsured kids receive regular medical attention. (Rawpixel/Adobestock)

Monday, November 29, 2021

Advocates Tout Child-, Maternal-Health Aspects of Build Back Better Act

CARSON CITY, Nev. - Health advocates are pressing the U.S. Senate to approve the Build Back Better Act, because it would improve Medicaid and CHIP - …

State data show that between 2017 and 2019, the number of paid-leave claims from the lowest-wage workers declined while claims from the highest earners rose by one-third. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi)

Monday, November 29, 2021

Paid-Leave Advocates Press for Build Back Better, Aim to Improve CA Program

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The push to offer paid leave nationwide is in high gear. A plan already passed the U.S. House as part of the Build Back Better …

The Michigan Energy Assistance program can help with paying utility bills and weatherization tips to keep the heat in your home. (weyo/Adobe Stock)

As Winter Nears, Groups Raise Awareness for Heating Help, Weatherization

DETROIT -- As cold weather moves in, state agencies are working to make sure Michiganders know how to apply for the Michigan Energy Assistance …

In the United States, more than 4 million youths and young adults experience some form of homelessness each year. (Adobe Stock)

New App Part of Effort to End Youth Homelessness in MN

BEMIDJI, Minn. -- November is National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month. Compared with other Midwestern states, Minnesota has some of the …

Nationally, more than 4.5 million households reported being at risk of eviction in the next two months, according to recent Census surveys. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Groups Identify Barriers to Rental Assistance in MO

ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- Groups working to keep Missouri residents in their homes since the pandemic began are trying to identify the barriers to receiving …

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 …

Nearly 1.5 million low-income children benefited from suppers through after-school nutrition programs in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

More CO Kids Received Supper During Pandemic School Closures

DENVER - Colorado was able to increase student participation in Afterschool Nutrition Programs in 2020, even during school closures, according to new …

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 …

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…

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 …

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 federal minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since 2009, despite inflation. (Missouri Workers Center)

MO Workers Group Launches to Bridge Racial, Geographic Divides

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A new group aims to bridge racial and geographic divides between Missouri workers, to help bring economic prosperity to everyone…

Older workers are more likely to experience serious medical conditions that require a family member's care. (AdobeStock)

Paid Leave Policies Not Just About Working Moms

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Congress is close to passing the Build Back Better plan, and policy groups are hopeful a provision to ensure more Ohioans can …

Education Support Professionals, such as bus drivers, have been celebrated during American Education Week since 1987. (nadorozhna.uliana/Adobe Stock)

Support Staff Celebrated During American Education Week

SEATTLE -- This is American Education Week, and the celebration Wednesday focuses on education support professionals (ESPs). The work of ESPs in …

Between two and four years after aging out of foster care, 46% of young people had not finished high school, 51% were unemployed and 84% became parents. (Adobe Stock)

Resources for Foster Youths During Holidays

OMAHA, Neb. -- Some 24,000 teenagers in foster care across the nation officially become adults each year; in Nebraska it happens on their 19th …

A legislative report shows that more than 100,000 Utah families are considered food insecure and regularly depend on food banks for assistance. (areogondo/Adobe Stock)

Task Force Recommends Ways to Cut Utah's Poverty, Food Insecurity

CEDAR CITY, Utah - A new legislative study shows that more than 100,000 Utah families are periodically food insecure, meaning they do not have the …

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 …

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 …

Many educators are without health insurance after the Scranton School Board authorized health-insurance cuts if the union went on strike. (Scranton Federation of Teachers Facebook)

Scranton Teachers Rally in Harrisburg as Strike Enters Seventh Day

SCRANTON, Pa. -- More than 800 public school teachers and paraprofessionals in the Scranton School District are entering their seventh day of a …

The number of children in foster care in Kentucky increased to more than 53,000 between 2018-2020, according to the 2021 Kids Count County Data Book released by Kentucky Youth Advocates. (Adobe Stock)

Report: How Racial Disparities Impact KY Kids’ Well-Being

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- A new analysis of county-level data sheds light on how systemic racial disparities are affecting the wellbeing of kids in the …

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 …

In addition to roads and bridges, labor leaders say the new infrastructure bill approved by Congress allows for work on other needs, such as adding more capacity to electric grids. (Adobe Stock)

ND Unions Applaud Infrastructure Bill Passage

FARGO, N.D. -- Labor leaders said North Dakota is poised to benefit from a boost in federal infrastructure spending, after the public works package …

Analysts say if Congress were to pass an automatic IRA requirement, more than 55 million workers would have an opportunity to save for retirement. (Adobe Stock)

Survey Shows Cross-Generational Concerns about Retirement Savings

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - A new survey underscores calls for laws to make it easier for people to accumulate savings, and Minnesota voices hope to spark …

Peak enrollment for federal marketplace plans in Ohio was in 2016, when more than 243,000 people signed up for insurance coverage. (Adobe Stock)

More Navigators On Hand for 'Healthcare.gov' Enrollment

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The federal health insurance marketplace is now open, and this fall, there's more help to guide Ohioans through the process of …

Demand has skyrocketed for high-protein foods such as meat and poultry, foods least available to food-insecure individuals. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Inflation, Food Banks See Increased Demand for Protein-Rich Foods

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. - Anti-hunger advocates say inflation, supply-chain issues and a labor shortage are driving up the demand for protein, as the …

If temperatures are 10% colder than forecast, the cost of heating propane is projected to rise by 94% this winter. (Adobe Stock)

Coloradans Warned to Brace for Higher Winter Heating Bills

DENVER - The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that Coloradans will be paying considerably more to heat their homes this winter…

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…

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…

AARP research shows that as of 2019 about 10% of adults in California ages 40 to 64 were uninsured. (AARP)

Advocates for Older Americans Promote ACA Open Enrollment

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Now is the time to sign up for health insurance or hunt for a better deal, as this year's CoveredCA's open-enrollment period …

Colorado health centers are working to bring more diversity into the health-care field, one of the fastest-growing industries in the state. (Adobe Stock)

CO Health Centers Win Grant to Bridge Employment Equity Gap

DENVER - Colorado's safety-net health centers are on a fast track to bring more people of color, and those living in rural areas, into good-paying …

According to a recent poll, 65% of Wyoming voters say they want their state legislator to support Medicaid expansion. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: WY Lawmakers Out of Sync with Majority of Voters on Medicaid

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Advocates for expanding Medicaid are regrouping after Wyoming lawmakers voted against an expansion bill during last week's special …

Union members demonstrate in favor of the PRO Act at the Los Angeles office of U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. (CWA)

Advocates Push for Labor Protections in Reconciliation Bill

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Build Back Better reconciliation bill currently being negotiated among Senate Democrats would increase penalties on …

A mobile billboard is crisscrossing West Virginia to encourage Sen. Joe Manchin's support of President Joe Biden's "Build Back Better" plan. (David Zielonka)

'Build Back Better' Plan Gets Mobile Billboard in WV

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - You may spot a mobile billboard on your travels in West Virginia, and its creators hope the signage reminds people of how they …

Across the nation, family caregivers provide $470 billion in unpaid care each year so loved ones can live independently in their homes, according to AARP research. (Adobe Stock)

On Election Day Eve, Virginia Voters Want Family Caregiver Relief

RICHMOND, Va. -- As the Virginia governor's race comes down to the wire tomorrow, a new survey showed a majority of the state's voters would favor a …

Some have referred to October as "Striketober" because of the number who went on strike for better treatment in the workplace. (pradeep/Adobe Stock)

Reconciliation Bill Includes Union-Friendly PRO Act Provisions

SEATTLE - Unions could get a boost under provisions currently included in the budget reconciliation package. The Biden administration has released …

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 …

Senate Democrats are working to hammer out a deal on President Joe Biden's Build Back Better reconciliation package. (Kathrin Tausch/Wikimedia Commons)

Reconciliation Bill Would Increase Fines for Labor-Law Violations

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Labor leaders are pressing for a deal on the Build Back Better reconciliation package, because it increases penalties on …

Under the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, employers would be required to notify all new employees of their rights under the National Labor Rights Act, and post those rights where employees congregate. (ufcw.org)

Unions Push for PRO Act Provisions in Reconciliation Bill

HOUSTON -- Even before last year's election, President Joe Biden expressed his support for unions. Now it is up to Congress to decide if laws …

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