Poverty Issues / Public News Service

In a new AARP survey, 37% of older adults with credit card debt report their debt level is higher now than it was a year ago. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Older Ohioans struggle with rising credit card debt

Nearly half of Americans age 50 and older are using credit cards to pay for basic living expenses, according to a new AARP survey but experts said …

People from across Oregon rally together before speaking with legislators. Research shows that during a slowing economy, 1-billion dollars in new SNAP benefits would lead to an increase of 1.54- billion dollars in GDP. (Oregon Food Bank)

Monday, March 24, 2025

Supporters rally for Food for All Oregonians bill

Hundreds of people from across Oregon gathered in Salem for an advocacy day last week, urging lawmakers to pass what's known as the Food for All …

Homelessness among families with children in Colorado grew by 134% in 2024. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 24, 2025

Low-income Coloradans face severe affordable housing shortage

There are only 26 affordable housing units in Colorado for every 100 low-income households, according to a new report listing Colorado as the sixth …

Roughly 150 cities in 32 states have passed homelessness ordinances, according to the National Criminal Justice Association. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 24, 2025

Morgantown residents will soon decide whether to veto camping ban

Next month, the city of Morgantown, West Virginia, will ask residents to vote on whether to keep or eliminate a city ordinance banning camping on …

Sean Brown, recovering from methamphetamine addiction, lost his housing in the Eaton Fire in January.

Monday, March 24, 2025

L.A. County has cut homelessness, but wildfires impede progress

By Angela Hart for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Servi…

Reducing new clean energy projects would increase air pollution in Texas by over 17 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2030 and 83 million metric tons in 2035, equivalent to the annual air pollution from four and 21 coal-fired power plants, respectively. (Andrii/Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 24, 2025

Report: Cuts to Inflation Reduction Act would impact TX economy

Texas would be one of five states to suffer the most if the Trump administration repeals the Inflation Reduction Act, according to a report from the …

One in five Americans, or more than 70 million people, rely on Medicaid for health coverage, according to the American Hospital Association. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 24, 2025

KY Medicaid work requirement changes could further depress communities

Some Kentucky lawmakers want to make it mandatory for some Medicaid participants in Kentucky to work, but experts say that would disproportionately …

A new poll found large majorities of Americans, across party lines, see Medicaid as

WA caregivers rally against Medicaid cuts

This week, workers who provide in-home and nursing home care rallied against cuts to Medicaid. Washington's Medicaid, known as Apple Health…

A proposed $12 billion in cuts to federal school meal funding could impact 75 Montana schools serving more than 10,000 students. (Adobe Stock)

School meal programs on GOP's chopping block

Children's advocates are crying foul after House Republicans called for $12 billion in cuts to school meal programs, including the Community …

PoliChic Engagement Fund says it's critical Texans make sure lawmakers are voting in their public interest. (JHVEPhoto/Adobe Stock)

Texans encouraged to use their voices during current legislative session

Many Texans feel strongly, one way or another, about the proposed school voucher bill before state lawmakers. Gov. Greg Abbott has proposed a plan to …

Research shows there is a direct correlation between unstable housing and food insecurity. (FamilyWorks Food Bank)

Advocates say WA rent stabilization bill important for ending hunger

While affordable housing advocates across the state have been cheering on Washington's rent stabilization bill in Olympia, so have organizations …

There were more than 5,700 cases of missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls reported in 2016 in the U.S. Fewer than 200 were logged in the Department of Justice database. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Alarming violence rates continue against Indigenous women

Indigenous people have made great contributions to the state of Wisconsin yet the alarming rates of violence against them remains a public health cris…

Some 557 Colorado schools serving more than 206,293 students are projected to be affected by a proposed $12 billion in cuts to federal school meal funding. (Adobe Stock)

Blowback on GOP's proposed cuts to school meal programs

Children's advocates are crying foul after House Republicans called for $12 billion in cuts to school meal programs, including the Community …

Expanded oil and gas subsidies, included in current versions of upcoming federal tax legislation, would support a massive expansion of LNG projects to more than double national export capacity by 2030. (Jeeraphun/Adobe Stock)

Religious leaders gather in TX to fight oil and gas subsidies

Forty religious leaders from different denominations gathered in Texas this week to call for an end to fossil-fuel subsidies and expansion of related …

Family caregivers spend on average more than $7,200 annually - 26% of their income - on out-of-pocket expenses. (Adobe Stock)

Doubling down on care: Ohio’s push for caregiver tax relief

In a significant development for family caregivers across America, AARP is spearheading initiatives at both federal and state levels to provide tax …

The Grocery Tax Relief Act will eliminate the state grocery tax but have no effect on county and municipal grocery taxes. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

AR food tax could be going away

Organizations working to fight food insecurity across Arkansas support two bills before state legislators. The Grocery Tax Relief Act would repeal …

In past deportation programs, for every half-million people the government deported, 44,000 U.S.-born workers lost their jobs. (Adobe Stock)

High moral stakes of proposed cuts to federal programs

A new report commissioned by faith leaders outlines the high moral stakes at play as the Trump administration pushes to cut federal programs to pay fo…

Nationally, the average cost of a dozen large eggs was $4.15 in December, up from $3.65 in November, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Nitr/Adobe Stock)

Report: Bird flu not cause of rising egg prices in TX

A new report by the group Food and Water Watch said egg companies are exploiting the bird flu outbreak for profit. On average, the price of a dozen …

In 2024, Tennessee approved more than 1,350 Summer Food Service Program meal sites across the state and served approximately 3.4 million meals to children. (Kirsten D/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock)

TN nonprofits plan ahead for end of Summer EBT food program

Gov. Bill Lee has opted Tennessee out of the federal Summer EBT program and nonprofit groups in the state said they will work to fill the gap for …

The latest data from Open Sky Policy Institute show more than 182,000 Nebraska children are enrolled in Medicaid and other social service safety net programs. (Adobe Stock)

NE mental health providers warn Medicaid cuts would 'reverse progress'

Nebraska mental health professionals worry the Trump administration's proposed $880 billion in Medicaid funding cuts would threaten progress the state…

The Food Bank of Wyoming served people across 97,903 square miles and in all 23 counties in 2024, according to the organization's impact report. (Adobe Stock)

Four-state collaborative seeks to improve food access in Native nations

Food-bank organizations teamed up in four states, including Wyoming, to launch the 104° West Collaborative in 2021 to better serve their …

When it comes to solutions to address non-medical factors for those facing the most barriers to good health, 70% of Texans said it was

High cost of health care negatively affects many Texans

Almost two-thirds of Texans have skipped or postponed some form of health care in the past year because of cost. That's according to a survey by …

In some areas, Medicaid funding pays a portion of the school nurse's salary. (Adobe Stock)

Medicaid cuts could threaten schools supports in NJ

As federal government spending cuts loom, advocates for keeping Medicaid intact are calling attention to how the funding is used in public schools…

Nearly a third of working-age Washington households have earnings which do not meet the minimum<br />cost of living. (Johannes/Adobe Stock)

Bills aim to revamp WA's regressive tax codes

A package of legislation in Olympia aims to reduce growing wealth inequality by reforming Washington's tax code. With the nation's second-most …

In Ohio, Medicaid covers nearly 40% of births and provides health care for one in four residents, including low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities. (Adobe Stock)

Medicaid cuts in Ohio: Who would pay the price?

Medicaid cuts being proposed in Congress could have widespread consequences in Ohio, particularly for hospitals and health-care facilities across the …

About 1.2 million people in Wisconsin are covered by Medicaid, including nearly one-third of children in rural communities, and 12% of state residents receive SNAP benefits. (Adobe Stock)

WI group pitches in to help voters share views with reps in Congress

As new federal policies and proposed funding cuts spark confusion and chaos, Wisconsinites are looking to voice their concerns to their elected …

Statista reports in 2023, the sports betting industry in the United States generated $11 billion in revenue, an increase of around 46% over the previous year. (Adobe Stock)

It's March Madness time, but red flags emerge with online sports betting

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and it remains unclear if Minnesota will legalize online sports betting. Research is emerging about …

In Ohio, you can lock your EBT card when not in use using the ConnectEBT app. (Adobe Stock)

EBT skimming scandal: No reimbursement for Ohioans who lose SNAP benefits

Thousands of Ohioans relying on SNAP benefits to feed their families are finding their accounts drained due to electronic skimming fraud. Criminals …

The Center for American Progress lists Minnesota as among the more expensive states when it comes to child care costs. (Adobe Stock)

MN child care stakeholders: 'Broken' system needs more than minor fixes

Some 45 day care centers in Minnesota temporary closed their doors early this week to highlight the ongoing child care crisis. Advocates said the …

Tennessee has made progress in child care availability but as of 2024, 37 counties are still considered child care

Report: Investing in child care would help TN families, economy

Many Tennessee families cannot afford child care and providers cannot afford to pay their staff fair wages, according to a new report. The …

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the uninsured rate among American Indians and Alaska Natives under age 65 decreased 12 percentage points since passage of the Affordable Care Act, from 32.4% in 2010 to 19.9% in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Open enrollment is over, but tribal members can still get health coverage

Open enrollment for health insurance from the online marketplace is over, but Wyoming experts are reminding tribal members that they qualify to …

The bill to establish the Prescription Drug Affordability Board received the support of all Democrats and seven Republicans in the General Assembly. (Adobe Stock)

Youngkin to decide fate of prescription drug cost watchdog

Two-thirds of Virginians over the age of 18 regularly take prescription medication, and - according to ARRP - support establishing maximum prices for …

According to new polling from Hart Research, 60 percent of Trump voters say cutting SNAP is unacceptable, and nearly half think the wealthy pay too little in taxes. (Adobe Stock)

SNAP cuts would disproportionately impact Colorado's rural communities

A budget resolution recently passed by the U.S. House calls for reducing agriculture funding to the tune of $230 billion. But critics warn that the …

Montana Senate Bill 243, to amend zoning regulations to allow taller buildings, passed a second reading in the Senate on Friday. (Roman Babakin/Adobe Stock)

Virtual training helps young Montanans weigh in on housing legislation

Legislative bills on housing have seen mixed results in Montana so far this session. A state nonprofit group held an online training on how to …

The 2023 Kentucky Early Learners Survey found rates of cavities and untreated tooth decay among children ages 2-5 at rates considerably higher than the national average. (Adobe Stock)

Bill would expand reach of dental hygienists across rural Kentucky

A recent study showed high rates of tooth decay among young children in Kentucky, particularly in rural areas, and dental health advocates are …

For many in Alaska, a trip to the doctor can mean an airplane or boat ride. Medicaid plays a significant role in making sure rural Alaskans have transportation for health care. (Adobe Stock)

Medicaid cuts could hurt low-income Alaskans, damage health care system

Experts said Medicaid cuts proposed in next year's federal budget could hurt almost 250,000 Alaskans and threaten thousands of jobs in the state's hea…

Lawmakers estimate providing Arkansas students free breakfast could cost an estimated $14.7 million (WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

All AR students to receive free breakfast in upcoming school year

Workers in the fight against hunger in Arkansas are celebrating the passage and signing of Senate Bill 59. The legislation makes free breakfast …

Miranda Johnson and her family received the keys to their new home, thanks in part to the Homeownership Development Incubator Program. (McMinnville Area Habitat for Humanity)

Funds sought to help address OR housing shortage

Groups working to address Oregon's shortage of affordable housing are backing a bill to fund the state's Homeownership Development Incubator Program…

A total of 195,972 Arkansas households are impoverished and another 366,907 are defined as ALICE. (Andrii/Adobe Stock)

More AR families rely on Child Tax Credit

By Wesley Brown for the Arkansas Delta Informer.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Delta Informer-Wi…

More than 20% of Washington state's population gets health coverage through Medicaid. (winnievinzence/Adobe Stock)

Nurse practitioner: Medicaid cuts could 'devastate' WA patients, providers

Proposed Medicaid cuts could seriously affect Washington hospitals and health care workers. President Donald Trump and House Republicans are …

More than 60,000 people in Oregon could benefit from expanding food benefits to undocumented residents. (Franco Capotosti/Adobe Stock)

Undocumented OR farmworkers may gain access to food assistance

By Amal Ahmed for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Isobel Charle for Oregon News Service reporting for the Yes! Media/Sentient/Just and Climate-…

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's proposed budget estimates total revenues of $55.453 billion, and total spending of $55.234 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Pritzker budget plan called out for lack of focus on Black, Latino residents

Illinois' Legislative Latino Caucus and Black Caucus have responded to Governor JB Pritzker's budget address he delivered last week, and each …

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program currently helps feed more than 40 million low-income Americans. (New Mexico Association of FoodBanks)

NM's anti-hunger advocates make case for funding at Roundhouse

Antihunger advocates and relief organizations are gathering at New Mexico's State Capitol today as part of "Hunger Action Day." Advocates will urge l…

One option states could consider to make up for added Medicaid costs would be to reduce provider payment rates, which many argued are already too low and disincentivize providers from accepting Medicaid patients. (Adobe Stock)

Over half-million Virginians risk Medicaid coverage loss under proposed cuts

As Congress threatens deep cuts to the Medicaid program, a new report from the health policy research organization KFF showed how some of the …

According to a 2024 report, 74% of Montana families who received one form of income-based public assistance between 2016 and 2022 were single, aging or disabled adults with kids. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Most Montanans receiving public assistance are caregivers

Today is National Caregivers Day, recognizing those who help friends or family members who are living with an illness, injury or disability. A 2024 …

Another option states could consider to make up for added costs would be to reduce provider payment rates, which many argue are already too low and disincentivizes providers from accepting Medicaid patients. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Nearly 30% on Medicaid risk losing coverage under proposed cuts

As Congress continues to threaten deep cuts to the Medicaid program, a new KFF report shows how some of the proposed changes could end coverage for …

Diesel exhaust represents about 80-percent of the potential cancer risk from all air toxics in the Puget Sound area. (Natalia Bratslavsky/Adobe Stock)

Shore power bill would improve WA air quality, cut emissions

New legislation would transition more ocean-going container ships to run off electricity instead of diesel while they are docked at Washington ports…

Almost 15 million Californians rely on Medi-Cal for their healthcare. (Talia Mdlungu/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

CA schools brace for harmful cuts to Medi-Cal

Educators in California are speaking out against plans in Congress to cut hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicaid, known as Medi-Cal in the …

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Poverty Issues

Older Ohioans struggle with rising credit card debt

Supporters rally for Food for All Oregonians bill

Low-income Coloradans face severe affordable housing shortage

Morgantown residents will soon decide whether to veto camping ban

L.A. County has cut homelessness, but wildfires impede progress

Report: Cuts to Inflation Reduction Act would impact TX economy

KY Medicaid work requirement changes could further depress communities

WA caregivers rally against Medicaid cuts

School meal programs on GOP's chopping block

Texans encouraged to use their voices during current legislative session

Advocates say WA rent stabilization bill important for ending hunger

Alarming violence rates continue against Indigenous women

Blowback on GOP's proposed cuts to school meal programs

Religious leaders gather in TX to fight oil and gas subsidies

Doubling down on care: Ohio’s push for caregiver tax relief

AR food tax could be going away

High moral stakes of proposed cuts to federal programs

Report: Bird flu not cause of rising egg prices in TX

TN nonprofits plan ahead for end of Summer EBT food program

NE mental health providers warn Medicaid cuts would 'reverse progress'

Four-state collaborative seeks to improve food access in Native nations

High cost of health care negatively affects many Texans

Medicaid cuts could threaten schools supports in NJ

Bills aim to revamp WA's regressive tax codes

Medicaid cuts in Ohio: Who would pay the price?

WI group pitches in to help voters share views with reps in Congress

It's March Madness time, but red flags emerge with online sports betting

EBT skimming scandal: No reimbursement for Ohioans who lose SNAP benefits

MN child care stakeholders: 'Broken' system needs more than minor fixes

Report: Investing in child care would help TN families, economy

Open enrollment is over, but tribal members can still get health coverage

Youngkin to decide fate of prescription drug cost watchdog

SNAP cuts would disproportionately impact Colorado's rural communities

Virtual training helps young Montanans weigh in on housing legislation

Bill would expand reach of dental hygienists across rural Kentucky

Medicaid cuts could hurt low-income Alaskans, damage health care system

All AR students to receive free breakfast in upcoming school year

Funds sought to help address OR housing shortage

More AR families rely on Child Tax Credit

Nurse practitioner: Medicaid cuts could 'devastate' WA patients, providers

Undocumented OR farmworkers may gain access to food assistance

Pritzker budget plan called out for lack of focus on Black, Latino residents

NM's anti-hunger advocates make case for funding at Roundhouse

Over half-million Virginians risk Medicaid coverage loss under proposed cuts

Report: Most Montanans receiving public assistance are caregivers

Report: Nearly 30% on Medicaid risk losing coverage under proposed cuts

Shore power bill would improve WA air quality, cut emissions

CA schools brace for harmful cuts to Medi-Cal