Poverty Issues / Public News Service

Over 41% of people who earn minimum wage or less are in families that earn less than $50,000 per year, and 19% are in families that make less than $30,000 per year, according to the Analysis of Pennsylvania Minimum Wage report. (Fizkes/AdobeStock)

As Other States See Pay Hikes, PA Minimum Wage Stuck at $7.25

Low-wage workers in Pennsylvania are missing out on the pay hikes in 23 other states that took effect this month, when those states raised their …

In 2021, the total cost of the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was around $113 billion. The significant increase from the previous year's total of $79 billion was in large part the result of extra pandemic-related benefits. (Adobe Stock)

IA Lawmakers Propose Severe Restrictions for Food Assistance

A Republican-backed bill in the Iowa Legislature seeks to put strict new limits on which foods people could buy at the grocery store using public-assi…

More than 1 in 7 households nationwide paid over half of their income on housing in 2020, according to a report by Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies. (Adobe Stock)

KY's Housing Shortage Worsened by Natural Disasters

Kentucky is facing a serious housing shortage, and the past few years of deadly floods and tornadoes have worsened the situation. Advocates want …

Nearly one in five new mothers participating in Wyoming's Medicaid Pregnant Women Program lose their health insurance 60 days after giving birth. (Adobe Stock)

WY Lawmakers Consider Extended Health Coverage for New Moms

New mothers in Wyoming enrolled in the Medicaid Pregnant Women Program lose their health insurance 60 days after giving birth, but a new bill making …

Child poverty rates worsened nationwide in 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, but improved slightly in New Mexico. (Rawpixel.com/AdobeStock)<br />

Report: NM Child Well-Being Fared Better Than Expected During Pandemic

New Mexico's Voices for Children has released its latest Kids Count Data Book - noting some quality-of-life improvements despite COVID, but also …

The requirement for the state to maintain continuous Medi-Cal health insurance coverage regardless of eligibility will end March 31. (Lordn/Adobestock)

State Projects Millions Could Lose Medi-Cal as Renewals Start Back Up

Starting in April, an estimated 2-3 million people could be dropped from Medi-Cal, the state's health insurance program for low-income people…

Billionaire wealth has increased by $2.7 billion per day, while more than 1.7 billion people live in countries where their wages, adjusted for inflation, have declined. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Rich Got Richer, Workers Left Behind During Pandemic

The world's richest 1% took home almost twice as much wealth as the bottom 99% combined during the pandemic, according to a new Oxfam International …

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, New York has a shortage of 615,025 rental homes that are affordable and available to extremely low-income renters. (Gov. Kathy Hochul)

Critics: NY State of State Address Misses Needed Solutions

While Gov. Kathy Hochul's State of the State speech addressed key issues affecting New Yorkers, some feel the solutions fell short. In her speech…

A Poor People's Campaign report examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic found the 300+ counties with the highest death rates have a poverty rate of 45%, which is 1.5 times higher than in counties with lower death rates. (PPC)

Advancing MLK’s Dream of Economic Justice in MA

Advocates for low-income workers in the Commonwealth said today is a reminder of the need to continue to advance Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream …

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was recently awarded $17 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education to help address student mental health needs. (Adobe Stock)

Foundation Funds Grassroots Efforts to Curb NC Racial Disparities

Following the example of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - honored today for his civil rights work - one organization in North Carolina is finding ways …

Soaring utility bills have been linked to an increase in natural-gas prices, costs which are passed along directly to consumers. (Adobe Stock)

Rising Utility Bills Unsustainable for Many Colorado Households

Experts are warning Colorado households utility bills currently making their way to mailboxes are likely to be even higher than the supersized bills p…

A 2021 housing affordability study found a decent two-bedroom apartment in the Omaha and Council Bluffs market would require a minimum wage of $19 an hour, more than many essential jobs in the area pay. (Adobe Stock)

ARPA Funds to Build Affordable Housing in Omaha-Council Bluffs

More affordable housing is coming to a Nebraska market that really needs it. An Omaha nonprofit has partnered with the City of Omaha, and was …

The California Food Assistance Program currently works alongside CalFresh to benefit many income-eligible people who hold green cards. (JetCityImage/Adobe Stock)<br />

CA Anti-Hunger Groups Slam Governor’s Proposed Budget

Groups that fight hunger say they're "deeply disappointed" in the new budget proposal released Tuesday by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Last year, the …

The Sales and Use tax in the Natural State has stayed the same, at 6.5%, since 2013, according to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. (Zimmytws/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Analysis: The Longer-Term Effects of AR's Lower Tax Rates

Arkansans will owe the state fewer tax dollars this year, due to tax cuts that have just gone into effect. The General Assembly met for some special …

Raising the minimum wage to at least $15 an hour for all workers, including<br />tipped workers, would reduce the poverty level in New Hampshire to 2%, a 75% reduction in the state poverty level, according to One Fair Wage. (Adobe Stock)

NH Minimum Wage Called 'Out of Step' with Rest of New England, U.S.

Despite minimum-wage increases throughout New England in the new year, New Hampshire continues to match the federal rate of $7.25 an hour, forcing …

Advocates for Colorado's new Healthy School Meals for All program say it can help end lunch-line shaming currently experienced by many students from low-income families. (Adobe Stock)

Some Colorado School Districts on Fence about Free Meals

A new law going into effect this year provides money and other support to help Colorado school districts provide free meals to all students regardless…

Colorado's median rent is expected to reach $2,700 a month by 2032, which is only affordable for people with an annual income above $106,000. (Adobe Stock)

CO Lawmakers to Decide How to Invest $300 Million in Affordable Housing

In November, Colorado voters approved the largest source of dedicated funding to address affordable housing and homelessness in the state's history…

More than 10 million households headed by someone over 65 spend <a href=

more than one-third of their income on housing. Half of these pay more than 50%, according to a Harvard University study. (Adobe Stock).">

More Affordable Housing for Seniors: An AARP Iowa Priority

As housing prices continue to rise, AARP Iowa is asking cities and towns to change their rules to allow more livable space on a home site. The group …

Utilities offer payment programs and other arrangements for households having trouble paying bills. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission said last year, utilities spent <a href=

$459 million on such programs. (Kenishirotie/Adobe Stock)">

Staying Warm in PA with Winter Heating Assistance

Higher fuel prices and a bitterly cold start to this winter mean it will cost more for most people to heat their homes, according to the U.S…

Starting in 2023, the pay rate for tipped service workers in the Commonwealth will increase from $6.15 an hour to $6.75, while time-and-a-half pay on Sundays and holidays will be eliminated completely. (Adobe Stock)

MA Minimum Wage Hike Not Enough for Costly Housing Market

At least 25 states are raising their minimum wage in the new year - including Massachusetts, where the minimum wage increases to $15 per hour…

More than 444,000 Arkansans are not always sure where their next meal is coming from, according to Feeding America, and more than 138,000 of them are children. (Monkey Business/AdobeStock)">

Report: Group Works to Alleviate Arkansas Food Deserts

A recent report shows Arkansas has a "food desert" issue in urban and rural communities. Gov. Asa Hutchinson formed the Arkansas Gov.'s Food Desert …

In an era of skyrocketing housing costs, a manageable budget might seem out of reach for low-income households. But certain community action agencies can help with financial planning if housing expenses are overwhelming. (Adobe Stock)

Making Houshold Budgets Work for Low-Income North Dakotans

The transition to a new year often has people thinking about new goals. For those struggling to get by, their hopes for 2023 are more about survival…

60 days notice when the decision is made to terminate or allow the current public health emergency to expire. (Adobe Stock)">

Food Insecurity Looms Amid Inflation, End of COVID Era Supports

The issue of charity around meals is a common theme during the holidays, though this year the prospect of a sudden drop-off in federal benefits has …

study
by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation estimates a gross state product increase of about $25 billion over five-years if the Commonwealth were to eliminate the racial disparities of wages, housing, investments, and wealth. (Adobe Stock) ">

Baby Bonds Aim to Close Racial Wealth Gap in MA

A task force assembled by the state treasurer's office said investing in government-issued Baby Bonds could help close the racial wealth gap in the Co…

In a 2018 ruling, a state District Court judge found New Mexico was failing to prepare students equally for college and a career, specifically citing a lack of sufficient education for Native Americans. (AdobeStock/mmg1design)

NM's Boost in Early Education Funds Included in Federal Omnibus Bill

New Mexico voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot question in November to spend more money on early childhood education and public schools, and now …

In September 2022, SNAP benefits helped 156,000 Nebraskans with food security, up 1% from a year prior. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraskans Will Lose SNAP Benefits If Pandemic Eligibility "Sunsets"

Almost one in ten Nebraskans receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as food stamps, but that could change …

The median net worth for white households in the Greater Boston area is $247,500, but for Black households it is just $8, according to a 2015 Federal Reserve study. (Adobe Stock)

Direct Cash Payments Work to Lift Families Out of Poverty

Advocates for low-income families in the Commonwealth said data showed direct cash payments to families helped bring childhood poverty to a record low…

Community health workers offer many services, including education on topics related to chronic disease prevention, physical activity and nutrition. (Adobe Stock)

Community Health Workers Make Inroads in MN

It's been three years since COVID-19 cases first surfaced. While doctors and nurses have treated those patients, community health workers continued …

According to the Columbia University Center on Poverty and Social Policy, the expanded child tax credit helped reduce child poverty, reduce food insufficiency, and help families afford basic necessities. (Adobe Stock)

VA Group Calling for Child Tax Credit Revival

Family and child advocates are hoping to see a revival of the expanded Child Tax Credit approved by Congress by the end of this year. According to …

When the 2023 legislative session convenes, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says she'll push lawmakers to ensure all public school students get free school meals. (vejaa/AdobeStock)

Post-Pandemic, Hunger in NM Still a Critical Concern for Thousands

Holiday preparations are underway, and those who battle hunger in New Mexico are urging communities to remember their neighbors at a time when food …

Health experts warn 6.7 million children across the United States could lose coverage when the pandemic is officially declared over by the federal government. (Adobe Stock)

More Than 200,000 Colorado Kids Could Lose Health Coverage, Experts Warn

Colorado saw the number of children without health insurance drop significantly between 2019 and 2021, according to a new report from Georgetown …

An estimated 96,000 children in rural Michigan are left out of the full $2,000 federal Child Tax Credit because their families earn too little. (Pexels)

Group Backs Renewal of Child Tax Credit for Rural MI Kids

A coalition of advocates for Michigan families is pushing Congress to permanently install the Child Tax Credit in its end-of-year spending bill…

A group of 40 Florida-based organizations has sent a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis, urging the state to publish its plan for keeping people insured when the federal public health emergency expires. (Pixabay)

FL Child Uninsured Rate Stabilizes; Advocates Raise Future Concerns

While the Sunshine State ranks among the top 10 states with the highest rates of uninsured children, it did see more kids with health coverage during …

Direct payments under the 2021 Expanded Child Tax Credit program cut in half the number of American children living in poverty. (Wikimedia Commons)

Indiana Child Advocates Demand Action on Renewing Child Tax Credit

As Congress moves toward the mid-December deadline to pass a new budget, advocates are urging lawmakers to reinstate the Enhanced Child Tax Credit…

As part of New York City's new plan to address mentally ill homeless people, a special hotline will be staffed with clinicians to aid first responders as to whether a person presents as mentally ill. (Adobe Stock)

Experts Worried About NYC’s New Plan for Mentally Ill Homeless People

New York City Mayor Eric Adams' new plan for aiding the mentally ill is facing backlash for its effectiveness. Adams' plan allows police officers…

Lawmakers are coming back to Olympia for a long, 105-day session in January. (Brian/Adobe Stock)

WA Group Urges Lawmakers to Resist Austerity, Invest in 'Public Good'

The Washington state 2023 legislative session is fast approaching, and one group is urging lawmakers to prioritize investments over budget cuts…

Around 21 million American children receive free or reduced-price lunch at school, but only half of them receive free breakfast despite being eligible, according to New Hampshire Hunger Solutions. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates Say Loss of Federal Funds Means NH Kids Go Hungry

Advocates for children say up to 7,000 students in New Hampshire public schools are going hungry following the rejection of a federal program for low-…

It's estimated 19 million children under 17 who do not receive the full Child Tax Credit are disproportionately Black, Latino and American Indian or Alaska Native, due to their families' incomes being too low, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

AR Group Urges Congress to Reinstate Expanded Child Tax Credit

An Arkansas nonprofit is adding its voice to the calls for Congress to bring back the expanded Child Tax Credit for families in place during the pande…

An average hotel room costs municipalities roughly $240 per night for one family and with families often scattered at various locations, social services can be difficult to administer. Transitional housing units would alleviate both costs and service gaps. (Adobe Stock)

More Transitional Housing Needed for Increased Asylum Seekers in Maine

The growing number of asylum-seekers in Maine has spurred cities and towns to join forces and build more transitional housing for families in need…

Orange County Convention Center food-service workers have been in negotiations with Sodexo since August. (Adobe Stock)

Orlando Food Service Workers Poised to Strike Beginning Today

Orange County Convention Center food-service workers have authorized a strike, and the window for that action opens today. Members of Unite Here …

Child poverty dropped to 5.2% during the pandemic because of the expanded Child Tax Credit and other relief efforts. (ktay21/Adobe Stock)

No Corporate Tax Cuts without Family Tax Relief, Dems Say

CORRECTION: Monthly amounts of the expanded Child Tax Credits were $250 (ages 0 to 5) to $300 (ages 6 to 17). An earlier version of this story had …

Children living near refineries, highways and other sources of air pollution are disproportionately at risk of developing respiratory illness. (Adobe Stock)

Connecting CO Health Outcomes to Climate Solutions, Lower Utility Bills

A successful program that helps low-income households weatherize homes and lower energy bills is setting its sights on improving the health outcomes o…

The city-run Engagement Center is a low-barrier day facility, which serves a few hundred people each day from the nearby

Engagement Center Finding Success Near Boston’s Troubled 'Mass and Cass'

Boston's 'Mass and Cass' area, with its large homeless population and open-air drug market, remains a trouble spot for city officials, but staff at …

The United Way of King County's free tax-preparation program has entered its 20th year. (Rick/Adobe Stock)

WA Tax Program Puts Out Call for Volunteers as Year Ends

It may seem early, but programs across the country are preparing to help people with their 2022 income tax returns. In Washington state, United Way …

Numerous utility companies in New York such as Con-Edison, NYSEG and RG&E are expecting to see higher bill prices, as energy costs have increased. Specifically, Con Edison is expecting a 32% increase from the previous year in bills for natural-gas users, and NYSEG's natural gas customers might see a 47% increase in their bills. (Adobe Stock)

NYS Legislation Gives Ratepayers Voice in Utility Increases

A bill passed by the New York State Legislature would provide ratepayers with a voice in utility rate increases. The utility intervenor bill would …

The Echo Park Trash Club is staffed by a rotating cast of volunteers. Two similar clubs have now formed in the Silver Lake and Lincoln Heights neighborhoods of Los Angeles. (Echo Park Trash Club)

L.A. 'Trash Club' Helps Unhoused People and the Community

By Caroline Tracey for High Country News.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Networ…

One in eight people in North Carolina faces hunger, according to Feeding America. (Adobe Stock)<br />

NC Food Justice Advocates, Faith Leaders ‘Come to the Table’ to Address Hunger

Food pantries run by rural churches are often a lifeline for older, retired residents or those living with a disability. Come to the Table is a …

One in eight individuals in Wyoming, and one in six children, do not know where their next meal will come from. (Adobe Stock)

Food Bank Ramps Up Thanksgiving Food Assistance

Turkeys and other holiday standards are still available for struggling families through food pantries, senior centers, school districts and other …

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