Welfare Reform / Public News Service

ALICE families say while wages have increased, it hasn't been enough to keep up with inflation and is sometimes hard to put food on the table. (Konstantin Yuganov/Adobe Stock)

'ALICE at Work' on paycheck-to-paycheck struggle

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

When South Dakota voters passed Medicaid expansion in 2022, the constitutional amendment included this language:

A long road for Medicaid work requirements in South Dakota

South Dakotans passed Amendment F on Election Day, opening the door to impose work requirements on people who qualify for expanded Medicaid benefits…

Feeding Texas is advancing policy solutions to both prevent hunger and tackle its causes and consequences. (Daniel Vincek/Adobe Stock)

Feeding Texas Network prepares for legislative session

The nonprofit Feeding Texas Network has announced its priorities for the upcoming legislative session. The food insecurity rate continues to rise in …

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)

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 …

Roughly 120,000 Montana families receive some form of public assistance. Many are caregivers or single parents and 97% are employed. (Adobe Stock)

New report shows who gets Montana public assistance and why

A new report from the Headwaters Foundation in Montana showed at least half the people who receive public assistance are only enrolled for one year…

All Arkansas employers must display an approved Arkansas minimum-wage poster in a prominent place to inform employees about the minimum wage and their worker's rights under Arkansas labor law. GoodIdeas/Adobe Stock)

Study: Low wage workers in AR could benefit from minimum wage increase

A new study finds minimum-wage increases have little or no impact on job loss. The Economic Policy Institute study comes as federal lawmakers …

The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals child poverty in America increased slightly in 2023. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

Stalled Child Tax Credit leaves Ohio families in limbo

During this week's presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris proposed reviving the Child Tax Credit, which was part of the American Rescue …

Income, location and trust issues can contribute to health disparities in the Latinx community. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

Nonprofits across Texas are coming together to address disparities in health care for the Latinx community. A report by the Commonwealth Fund shows …

Nearly three in five households surveyed are not participating in SNAP. For those that are <br />participating, nearly two-thirds report that their SNAP benefits are exhausted in two weeks or <br />less each month. (mdurson/Adobe Stock)

Food insecurity grows as Ohio food bank demand surges

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks has recently sounded the alarm over worsening conditions in the state's hunger relief network, with food insecurity …

According to the Urban Institute, low-income people with medical debt are likely to forgo needed medical care, have difficulty meeting other basic needs and face an increased risk of bankruptcy. <br />(Andy Dean/Adobe Stock)

Routine medical care out of reach for some low-income AR residents

By Tess Vrbin for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop Rockefe…

Community Action Kentucky workers helping deliver food. (Community Action Kentucky/Facebook)

The Economic Opportunity Act: 60 years of service to Kentuckians

This week marks the 60th anniversary of landmark anti-poverty legislation. The Economic Opportunity Act created a network of Community Action …

Six decades ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson forged the War on Poverty by signing the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. (Adobe Stock)

Reflections on 60 years of Economic Opportunity Act in NC

Tomorrow marks 60 years since the Economic Opportunity Act became law and in North Carolina, it is a moment to reflect and look forward. The federal …

The Community Action Association of Pennsylvania provides multiple services. In 2023, more than 19,000 low-income individuals received transportation services, bus passes, transport or support for vehicle purchase or repair, according to its annual report. (Adobe)

PA Community Action Agencies work to eradicate poverty

Tuesday marks the 60th anniversary of the Economic Opportunity Act, enacted in the 1960s as part of a national "War on Poverty." It has made a big …

The primary purpose of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 was to mobilize the human and financial resources of the Nation to combat poverty in the United States. (svittlana/Adobe Stock)

MI commemorates 60-year legacy of Economic Opportunity Act

Michigan groups working for social justice are marking a milestone this week: the 60th anniversary of the Economic Opportunity Act. The law is the …

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the top five most disadvantaged Illinois counties include Alexander, Cook, Kankakee, Macon and Marion. (Adobe Stock)

Do work requirements 'work' to keep people out of poverty?

Members of the U.S. House Work and Welfare Subcommittee came to Illinois this month to drum up support for work requirements for anyone seeking …

Operation Food Search distributes $30 million worth of food and necessities each year to 330 community partners in 40 Missouri and Illinois counties. (Gorodenkoff/Adobe Stock)

MO summit tackles rising child food insecurity as benefits expire

As COVID-era benefits near expiration, a recent Child Wellness Summit brought together nonprofits to tackle urgent child well-being and food-…

Missouri's Senate Bill 1314, similar to House Bill 2365, prohibits funds from being expended by any state department for interdepartmental programs, staffing or other initiatives associated with

New report reveals high economic risk of anti-DEI laws in Missouri

A new report finds some Missouri laws and prospective laws are perceived as discriminatory regardless of their actual intent - and it outlines some bi…

A 2023 statewide survey of Ohio by the Ohio Association of Foodbanks found 68% of households had to choose between purchasing food and transportation or gas. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ohio foodbanks say Thriving Families Tax Credit could help reduce hunger

Ohio lawmakers are considering a proposal that would implement a statewide refundable child tax credit. Regional food banks say the bill would help …

At least 11 major cities across the United States are hosting National Day of Action rallies today to call attention to reforms they say are needed in the nation's immigration detention system. (Susan Vineyard/Adobe Stock)

Immigration Advocates Host National Day of Action Rally

Immigration advocacy groups are calling on New Yorkers to join them in Foley Square at noon today. It's a National Day of Action to call attention to …

Some 70% of Michigan residents are either currently providing care or have provided care in the past for an adult relative or friend. (Studio Romantic/Adobe Stock)

Michigan Adults Strive to Stay Mentally Sharp as They Age

AARP Michigan's Vital Voices survey results are in, and more than 700 Michigan adults 45 and older say they are most concerned with staying mentally …

Some 710,500 households currently receive SNAP benefits in Michigan, including more than 531,000 Michigan children (Maksim Kostenko/ Adobe Stock)

Major Win for Michigan with SNAP Asset Test Gone

Michigan families no longer need to spend down their savings and be restricted to having only $15,000 in assets to receive SNAP benefits. Gov…

The federal child tax credit program immediately reduced child poverty across the country. (tomertu/Adobe Stock)

Tax Credit Coming for OR Families 'in Greatest Need'

State lawmakers have approved a child tax credit for Oregonians with household earnings of $25,000 a year or less. House Bill 3235, which creates a $1…

It costs taxpayers $13,400 to provide supportive housing per person each year, compared with between $21,000 and $40,000 for medical care, incarceration, detox treatment and shelter services. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Denver Mayoral Candidates Off the Mark on Homeless Crisis

Advocates for people experiencing homelessness are pushing back against proposals by several Denver mayoral candidates who are including forced mental…

A recipient of guaranteed income from Springboard to Opportunities' Magnolia Mother's Trust. The program gives $1,000 per month for 12 months to families headed by Black women living in federally subsidized housing. (Instagram/Springboard to Opportunities)

Guaranteed Income: Blueprint for a Stronger Safety Net

By Katie Fleischer for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for Florida News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

Ohio currently has roughly 157,000 WIC participants. (Adobe Stock)

OH Study Makes Case for Online WIC Program

New research is making the case for an online system to better serve young families who depend on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women…

The WIC nutrition program had 32% less funding in Fiscal Year 2021 than Fiscal Year 2010, when taking inflation into account. (Adobe Stock)

Stop the Stopgap: Groups say Ohioans Deserve More Certainty, Dignity

Federal programs that help struggling Ohioans are running on a temporary spending bill that expires in 10 days, on March 11, and hundreds of groups …

Ending Nebraska's lifetime ban on food assistance for people convicted of drug felonies is projected to result in 23 fewer individuals recidivating, saving upwards of $1 million for taxpayers. (Adobe Stock)

Bill to End Lifetime Ban on Food Assistance Before Nebraska Lawmakers

Nebraska lawmakers are considering a bill to end a lifetime ban on federal food assistance for people convicted of federal drug felonies. Proponents …

In the six months the expanded Child Tax Credit was active, child poverty was reduced by 30%, data show. (Adobe Stock)

Low-Income Families Feel the Strain without Monthly Child Tax Credits

By Katie Fleischer for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Emily Scott for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

Advocates of guaranteed-income programs say they help families afford basic needs, from utility bills to food, and more. (rocketclips/Adobe Stock)

NY Groups: Guaranteed Income Improves Racial, Gender Justice

By Sonali Kolhatkar for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Lily Böhlke for New York News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News …

Access to Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF) funds varies greatly by county in Colorado. (Adobe Stock)

Fewer Colorado Families Living in Poverty Receive TANF Cash Assistance

Colorado and other states are hoarding more than $6 billion intended for struggling families, according to new analysis. In 2020, Colorado denied …

Children who have reliable access to housing and nutritious foods are more likely to have better health and financial outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska Denies Emergency Assistance to 90% of Poor Families

Nebraska and other states are hoarding more than $5 billion intended for struggling families, according to new analysis. In 2019, for every 100 …

Initiated Ordinance 303 calls for city officials to enforce a camping ban within 72 hours of receiving a complaint. The city also would be open to lawsuits if it fails to clear camps. (Adobe Stock)

Ballot Measure Doubles Down on Denver Homeless Camping Ban

DENVER -- A growing number of tents popping up in neighborhoods across Denver have made it harder to ignore a chronic and expanding housing crisis in …

This week, state Sen. Katie Muth, D-Moyersford, and Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia, started circulating memos in the General Assembly seeking sponsorship of bills to increase TANF benefits to 50% of the federal poverty level. (Annie Spratt/Unsplash)

Report: TANF Benefits Vital for PA, But Program Needs Overhaul

HARRISBURG, Pa. - This week marks the 25th anniversary of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the cash-assistance program commonly known as TANF…

Some 40% of mothers new to the 2020 Magnolia Mother's Trust program said they had money saved for emergencies. After receiving $1,000 a month for 12 months, that increased to more than 85%. (Wikimedia Commons)

Groups Urge Long-Term Solutions After States Cut Federal Unemployment

By Katie Fleischer for Ms. MagazineBroadcast version by Lily Böhlke for Tennessee News Service/Public News Service NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- After …

An average of 1.7 million WIC participants receive Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits each year. (Adobe Stock)

WIC Families Can Now Get Vouchers for Farmers Market Purchases

DENVER -- Participants in WIC, the federal nutrition assistance program for women, infants, and children, can now get vouchers to buy food at farmers …

The USDA projects that $1 billion in additional SNAP benefits would lead to an increase of $1.54 billion in the nation's Gross Domestic Product. (Adobe Stock)

Feds Pony Up to Get More SNAP-Eligible Families Enrolled

LINCOLN, Neb. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering a 50/50 match on Nebraska dollars invested in outreach to get more eligible families …

Nueva Coalición busca promover la Educación Informada sobre el trauma en las escuelas

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Una nueva coalición estatal quiere que las escuelas y las comunidades se enfoquen en la educación y que cuiden a los …

An estimated 12 million Americans nationwide are set to lose their unemployment benefits the day after Christmas. (Mr Doomits/Adobe Stock)

Thousands in New Hampshire to Lose Jobless Benefits After Christmas

CONCORD, N.H. -- It looks like millions of Americans will enter the new year without jobless benefits they've been receiving during the pandemic…

A report from the Urban Institute finds an additional 21.1 million people would be uninsured, a 69% increase nationally, if the Affordable Care Act were repealed. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. Supreme Court Takes Up Future of Affordable Care Act

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Tomorrow, the Supreme Court hears oral arguments in cases that could decide the fate of the Affordable Care Act. Health coverage …

In 2017, Pueblo's poverty rate was nearly double the state rate, with nearly half of single parents with kids younger than age 6 living in poverty. (Pixabay)

Report: Free Child Care Could Remove Barriers for Pueblo Families

PUEBLO, Colo. -- A new Colorado Fiscal Institute report on working families in Pueblo, one of Colorado's poorest regions, shows investing in free or …

Children with access to healthcare are more likely to succeed in school, graduate from high school, attend college, earn higher wages, and become healthy adults. (Adobe Stock)

Spike in Number of Uninsured NC Children Among Highest in Nation

RALEIGH, N.C. -- An estimated 142,000 North Carolina children were uninsured last year, according to a new report released by the Georgetown …

Research shows children with health insurance are likely to grow up to be healthier, more productive adults. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

Fewer Children Have Health Insurance; Report Predicts Trouble Ahead

PITTSBURGH -- The number of children without health insurance was rising nationwide and here in Pennsylvania before the COVID pandemic, and a new …

In Illinois, 5.6% of Latino children do not have health insurance, compared to 4% of all children in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Illinois Sees 46% Spike in Number of Uninsured Kids

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Even during a time when the economy was notably strong, Illinois lost ground in ensuring children have access to health coverage…

In Texas, 954,000 adults would be newly enrolled in Medicaid if lawmakers chose to expand it. (texasmed.org)

Study: Texas Forfeits $5.4 Billion without Medicaid Expansion

AUSTIN, Texas -- As states grapple with financial shortfalls due to the coronavirus pandemic, a new study shows just how much Texas could benefit by …

Mayors from St. Paul and ten other U.S. cities want America to embrace the idea of providing direct cash payments to people struggling to get by. (Adobe Stock)

MN City Joins Call for Guaranteed Income for Struggling Residents

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- This summer, a coalition of U.S. mayors joined forces to win support for the idea of providing guaranteed income for struggling …

Since the state's eviction moratorium expired in June, thousands of North Carolina residents are at risk of losing their housing. (Adobe Stock)

NC Lawmakers Fail to Bring Relief to Struggling Residents

RALEIGH, N.C. -- North Carolina's economy is hurting, yet residents can expect little in the way of federal relief. U.S. Senate lawmakers have …

Mercy Flights' mobile paramedics can offer up to 30 days of transitional support after someone is discharged from the hospital. (Jason Quigley)

Paramedics Meet Folks Where They're Comfortable to Prevent Hospital Stays

MEDFORD, Ore. -- First responders are reaching beyond emergencies to support people in southern Oregon. Mercy Flights is the emergency …

During the last recession, 40,000 Colorado children fell into poverty, and the state's child poverty rate did not return to pre-recession levels for five years. (PxHere)

Groups Call for Federal Nutrition, Health Assistance

DENVER -- Children's advocates are urging Colorado's U.S. Senators -- Republican Cory Gardner and Democrat Michael Bennet -- to move quickly to pass …

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