Livable Wages/Working Families / Public News Service

Ohio's inadequate family leave policies and systemic gaps contribute to high rates of infant mortality (7.06 per 1,000 births) and maternal mortality (18.8 per 100,000 births) both above the U.S. average). (Best/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Report: Paid family leave and what it could mean for Ohio

Ohio is among the many states where a majority of workers lack access to paid family leave. A new report by Groundwork Ohio finds three in four …

After immigrating to the U.S. many immigrants and their families encounter challenges, including low-paying jobs, language barriers and navigating complex systems. (artiom.photo/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Immigrant families in northwest AR struggle to make ends meet

By Antoinette Grajeda for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop…

The Pew Research Center says the rate of multigenerational households in the United States has quadrupled since 1971. Some in the academic community say that overlaps with the need for individuals to be more socially conscious about how they share their money. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Researcher: 'Tis the season for 'financial interdependency'

The holiday season is here and households in North Dakota and elsewhere might encounter sensitive conversations about lending money to a loved one in …

According to the National Education Association, American Education Week is meant to honor the team of people who work in U.S. public schools, including classroom teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria crews and administrative staff. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

During American Education Week, public asked to reset K-12 views

American Education Week is underway, and Nebraskans are asked to find trust again in public school systems, including rural areas. There have been …

Companies tolerating abusive bosses are vulnerable to costly lawsuits. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Report: Financially stressed managers abusing workers

Researchers at Colorado State University have been able to link the economic stress experienced by 78% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck…

Health experts said it is unclear whether the next Trump administration will continue drug price negotiations in Medicare or seek to repeal or weaken them. (Eric Hood)

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Health experts brace for Trump Administration 2.0

California could be in for some big cuts to health care for low-income families under a second Trump administration, according to health experts…

Research has found the stability of parents' home ownership contributes to their kids' higher standardized test scores in math and reading. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

New coalition aims to address Oregon home ownership 'crisis'

With housing prices nearly doubling in the last 10 years, the number of Oregonians who can afford to buy a home without assistance has dwindled and a …

According to Environment Illinois, residential rooftop solar grew nearly 2,300% between 2017 and 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 18, 2024

IL solar energy demand remains strong, boosts job growth

By Kari Lydersen for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pu…

Funds from the Inflation Reduction Act are now flowing to help California families afford energy-efficient electric heat pumps. (Isengard/Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 18, 2024

New CA rebate program launched to cut home energy costs

A new rebate program could save California families up to $8,000 on an electric heat pump for home heating and cooling. The Home Electrification and …

Consumer advocates say higher grocery prices are no longer the result of supply-chain issues, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 18, 2024

Group blames corporate greed for MT food price gouging

Farm advocates say price gouging on meat and poultry are taking a toll on Montanans. A farm group cites U.S. Department of Agriculture data as …

Episcopal Health Foundation's survey found that households with diabetes are more likely to say they should eat better and exercise more. More than three quarters (76%) of Texans in households with diabetes say their daily diet could be healthier and 74% say they should be getting more physical exercise. (ratmaner/Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 18, 2024

Survey: Diabetes in TX is a major problem

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and a recent survey by Episcopal Health Foundation shows that nearly half of adults in Texas say they …

In 17% of Colorado households with children, the children are not eating enough because the family did not earn enough to purchase enough food, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 18, 2024

Hunger Free Colorado celebrates 15th birthday

Colorado's leading advocate for people experiencing hunger turns 15 this year and a new report outlined key advances and persistent challenges facing …

Americans can expect to pay $31.16 for a 15-pound turkey this Thanksgiving - an average of $2.08 per pound, according to Nasdaq. (Brent Hofacker/Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 18, 2024

Turkey prices down as NH Thanksgiving meal prep begins

Many Granite Staters are starting to plan for holiday meals - and when it comes to food prices, the news is mixed. According to consumer experts…

According to a report from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, workers with paid leave are less likely to need public assistance. (Satjawat/Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 18, 2024

Report: Paid leave in MI would benefit workers, economy

Advocates for paid family leave in Michigan are urging lawmakers to pass the Michigan Family Leave Optimal Coverage before the 2024 legislative sessio…

The rise in food costs has slowed in the last year, but prices are still up about 20% from four years ago. (Adobe Stock)

Expert weighs in on holiday grocery budget

With Thanksgiving less than two weeks away, many Wyomingites are starting to budget for the holidays. When it comes to the cost of food, there's …

The Michigan Nurses Association is the state's largest union for nurses and health-care professionals. It is affiliated with National Nurses United and the AFL-CIO. (University of Michigan Professional Nurse Council)

Expired contract sparks massive picket at UM-Sparrow Hospital

Almost 1,000 University of Michigan Health-Sparrow nurses and other health-care professionals, as well as union supporters, rallied outside the …

The National Institute on Retirement Security reported the average retirement benefit for public workers is about $2,428 a month. (Adobe Stock)

Americans make it clear: They like public pensions, new research finds

North Dakota is no stranger to public pension debates. States face pressure to keep retirement systems well-funded and new data show most Americans …

The Ohio Department of Aging dispels myths about older workers, highlighting employees in their 50s tend to stay with an employer longer than those in their 20s or 30s, which may lower retraining costs.(Daniel Laflor/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Ohio’s workforce gets an age advantage

By Eduardo Miranda Strobel / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Adults 55 …

Economists suggest for a more budget-friendly holiday feast, consider hosting a potluck. Sharing dishes not only brings variety to the table but helps spread the costs among guests. (Adobe Stock)

What Coloradans can expect on holiday groceries, and tips for saving money

With Thanksgiving now two weeks away, will Coloradans face sticker shock at the grocery store while planning their holiday meals? There is a mix of …

According to the RAND Corporation, more than 14 million Americans provide daily care to veterans and service members who are ill, injured or wounded. (Adobe Stock)

New Nebraska caregiver tax credit has military focus

As Nebraskans anticipate the upcoming holiday season, some might also be looking ahead to the 2025 tax season, which will include a new tax credit …

A new program in Washington state will give people access to long-term care benefit of $36,500 starting in July 2026. (Khunatorn/Adobe Stock)

New book explores living, caregiving questions in 'The Second Fifty'

Aging brings with it new questions on how we can live our best lives and a new book could help people answer some of those questions. One of the …

Following the pandemic, labor unions touted a stronger push among workers to organize but analysts said this month's election results could complicate their efforts. (Adobe Stock)

Following election results, questions emerge about labor impact

Changes in leadership at the federal level are likely to have some effect on the labor movement. In Minnesota, election results have spurred …

A University of California Berkeley report revealed early educators working only with infants and toddlers are paid about $8,000 less per year than those working exclusively with children age 3-5, not yet in kindergarten. (Mangpor2004/Adobe Stock)

Mississippi child care workers struggle with poverty wages

A new report showed child care workers across the nation, including in Mississippi, are struggling with poverty-level wages. The report revealed the …

More than 2 million votes were cast for the Democratic ticket in Ohio, although more than 55% of Ohio voters supported the Republican ticket. (Wikimedia Commons)

Middletown looks to JD Vance to help improve local economy

Ohio Republicans will soon have stronger representation in Washington, D.C., as Buckeye State native and Vice President-Elect J.D. Vance is set to …

Holiday grocery prices: What to expect and how to save money

With Thanksgiving just over two weeks away, will Michiganders and shoppers across the country face sticker shock at the grocery store while planning …

Colorado has been working to remove cost as a barrier for students, and many certificate and degree programs are zero-tuition. (Adobe Stock)

7 CO colleges cited for students' workforce-readiness success

Gov. Jared Polis has designated seven Colorado colleges and universities as Career Connected Campuses for their work getting more students from all …

MO residents believe family-focused economy is key to well being

The latest "Speak Up MO" report reveals the economic struggles facing Missourians, adding to earlier findings about community concerns and the …

Approximately 560,000 Arkansas households live below the ALICE threshold of financial survival. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

More AR families struggle with food insecurity

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

40% of the more than 60,000 Mainers enrolled in marketplace plans last year paid premiums of $99 or less a month, according to DHHS Office of the Health Insurance Marketplace. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Open enrollment for ME health insurance marketplace underway

It's open enrollment time for Maine's health insurance marketplace. People without access to health or dental insurance through their employer…

According to the Pew Research Center, inadequate retirement savings will result in a $1.3 trillion increase in public assistance costs over the next two decades. (Adobe Stock)

MN readying new program to close big gaps in retirement savings

Roughly 30% of Minnesota's private-sector employees do not have a work-sponsored retirement plan but some business owners and consumer advocates hope …

City governments are strengthening financial security for families through reimagined debt-collection practices, equitable ability-to-pay processes and increased access to financial empowerment services. (Adobe Stock)

Program helps youth in Pueblo clear steep hurdles of fines and fees

Young people in Pueblo can now avoid serious and long-lasting consequences when they are unable to pay fines or fees. Chanell Hasty, program …

A report from the University of California-Berkeley found Tennessee has more than 480,000 children ages 0-through-5, but has an early childhood teaching workforce of only 33,800. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Study reveals Tennessee child care workers face poverty wages

Child care workers across the nation, including in Tennessee, are struggling with poverty-level wages according to a new report. It revealed in …

California voters rejected the latest effort to raise the minimum wage statewide and to allow cities to enact local rent control. (IcemanJ/Adobe Stock)

Experts analyze why CA propositions on minimum wage, rent control failed

California political analysts say inflation and voter confusion contributed to the failure of propositions to raise the minimum wage and allow stronge…

Rideshare drivers said they are looking to share in the wealth of their work. U.S. rideshare sales at Uber climbed 10% from 2023 to 2024, while Lyft's sales were up 3% year-over-year, according to Bloomberg. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Massachusetts rideshare drivers win the right to unionize

Voters in Massachusetts have passed a first of its kind ballot measure allowing rideshare drivers to unionize as independent contractors. Question 3 …

There are 16 million vacant homes across the U.S., or 28 vacant homes for every unhoused person. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Colorado’s housing crisis linked to billionaire investors

Denver's homeless population hit an all-time high in 2024 but there is actually no shortage of available housing units, according to a new report…

Animal-rights advocates are testing whether asking for people's votes can be more effective than asking people to change their diet. (Galatas) Animal rights advocates are testing whether asking for people�s votes can be more effective than asking people to change their diet. (Galatas)

Denver could become first city to ban slaughterhouses

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborat…

On average, child care providers make less than people who walk dogs for a living, according to Care for Kids. (Adobe Stock)

Utah child care advocates demand change ahead of Election Day

Utah child care providers, parents and children's advocates say the state's child care crisis is getting worse and they hope voters will take the …

Many skilled trade careers do not require a four-year degree. Instead, they focus on credentials, certificates, on-the-job training and registered apprenticeships. (amorn_m/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

MI skilled-trade workers urge next administration to invest in industry

As Michigan prepares for tomorrow's big election, skilled-trade and union workers are calling for continued federal support to keep their industry …

There are no federal laws requiring organizations to give their employees time off to vote during working hours.(Adobe Stock)

NC employers offer voting flexibility as state lacks mandated time-off policy

North Carolina lacks laws mandating time off for employees to vote, making it hard for workers who juggle demanding schedules and civic …

Marisela Olvera (right) knocks on doors for Kamala Harris with fellow union member Sarah Garcia. (Culinary Workers Union)

One NV worker's journey from Trump employee to Harris voter

By Gabriel Thompson for Capital & Main.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Nevada News Service reporting for the Rural News Network-Public News Ser…

In 2024, seven in 10 Americans approve of labor unions, near a 60-year high, according to a recent Gallup poll. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY labor unions want next administration to support PRO Act

Labor groups in Kentucky and across the nation are pushing for the next administration to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize, or PRO, Act…

Pennsylvania has been allocated $1.6 billion to expand high-speed internet access statewide. The investment, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has already led to savings for more than 764,000 Pennsylvania households on their monthly internet bills. (Zimmytws/Adobe)

PA Lehigh Valley economic stability at risk with Project 2025 proposals

Ahead of tomorrow's presidential election, a nonprofit is raising concerns Project 2025 and its proposed rollback of federal aid could disrupt …

In 2023, an estimated 67,800 workers in Pennsylvania earned minimum wage or less, which has remained at $7.25 since 2009. (Rawpixel/AdobeStock)

Report: Presidential candidates' policies could shape PA families, economy

As Pennsylvania voters head to the polls Tuesday, a new report takes a deep dive into how the economic policies of former President Donald Trump and …

A poll by Red America Blue America Research shows respondents in Montana are opposed to lower wages for public sector workers, including health care personnel and educators. (Adobe Stock)

Latest poll shows strong support for MT educators, health care workers

Results of a new poll showed likely voters strongly oppose candidates who back cuts to labor law protections and would probably vote in favor of incre…

Early voting turnout outpaced 2020 and 2016 in elections across the state. (driftwood/Adobe Stock)

Texas election officials: Expect long lines on Election Day

Millions of Texans stood in long lines to cast ballots during early voting. In addition to picking the next president, Texans are voting in the …

Despite the U.S. economy's ongoing resilience, a Center for Audit Quality survey showed the outlook for the economy over the next year is only neutral, with most audit firms believing a recession is likely on the horizon. (thinglass/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Election outcome will impact AR businesses

A new survey of public company audit firms reveals businesses are concerned the upcoming election could affect their financial performance. The …

In March 2023, Michigan became the first state in nearly 60 years to repeal its right-to-work law, which had allowed workers to opt out of paying union dues while still benefiting from union representation. (Platoo Studio/Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan poll: MI voters favor protecting union jobs, labor laws

Just days away from the big election, a new bipartisan survey shows Michiganders strongly back protections for labor laws and reject any cuts that …

A new survey from Red America/Blue America Research revealed 62% of respondents oppose censorship in schools and only 45% hold a favorable view of Project 2025, which includes measures like limiting free speech and altering historical education content. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Ohioans feel strongly about education, worker protections

A recent bipartisan national survey shed light on where Americans, including Ohioans, stand on issues of education, labor and public services…

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