Livable Wages/Working Families / Public News Service

Last year, Ohio's food bank networks provided more than 244 million meals to households representing nearly 16 million people -- including over 4.8 million children and 3.2 million seniors -- a number expected to rise if federal SNAP benefits are reduced. (HASPhotos/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

OH food banks face fed funding uncertainty, DeWine budget cuts

Recent federal executive orders have left many organizations in Ohio navigating uncertainty, particularly when it comes to funding for essential …

Research from the New Economy Project finds New Yorkers paid $1.7 billion in overdraft fees during the early years of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

NYers brace for effects of higher bank fees, dismantling CFPB

Some New York members of Congress are trying to repeal bank overdraft fee regulations. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau created a rule …

ALICE data from the United Way found between 2019-2022, the median hourly wage for teaching assistants in Connecticut was $23.38. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

CT paraeducators organize to get a living wage

Connecticut union organizers are working to get pension plans for paraeducators. In recent years, they have won a flurry of benefits from organizing …

By 2050, the number of people in Washington state who are 75 and older will nearly double. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Affordable health insurance could ease WA caregiver shortage

Worker's rights advocates and nursing home providers say Washington has a long-term care workforce crisis, and that inadequate benefits in the …

The Fight for Our Health coalition has sent letters to congressional leaders and California's representatives in Congress urging them to protect Medi-Cal in upcoming budget negotiations. (Health Access CA)

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Statewide coalition launches to fight proposed health care cuts

Town hall meetings start tonight across California, pushing back against congressional Republicans' proposal to cut hundreds of billions of dollars …

With the inclusion of workforce certificates and certifications, South Dakota's overall rate of educational attainment has increased by 16.9% since 2009. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 17, 2025

Degree attainment numbers in SD look good; more progress sought

South Dakota has made notable progress in boosting the number of working-age adults who hold a degree or credential beyond high school. That's …

With the inclusion of workforce certificates and certifications, North Dakota's overall rate of educational attainment has increased by 15.4% since 2009. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 17, 2025

ND sees more gains in degree attainment as workforce demands shift

North Dakota has made notable progress in boosting the number of working-age adults who hold a degree or credential beyond high school. That's …

According to the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services, rural children under age 5 make up 24% of children eligible for child care services in the country, yet 55% of them live in areas considered to be child care deserts. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Monday, February 17, 2025

Rural steering committees help to close WV learning gaps

Appalachian counties are expanding efforts to help ensure children are off to the right start in their education. Research shows attending a high-…

According to the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services, rural children under 5 years old make up 24% of children eligible for child care services in the country, yet 55% of the children live in a child care desert. (Adobe Stock)<br />

In rural east KY, communities find ways to boost kids early learning

Kentucky's Appalachian counties are expanding efforts to help ensure kids are off to the right start educationally. Research shows attending a high-…

Tuition costs can be an insurmountable barriers for some students when it comes to college access. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

NC higher education combats costs with free tuition

With cost at the forefront of prospective students' minds, higher education institutions in North Carolina are rethinking how to overcome one of the …

The Texas Department of Agriculture hopes to reach children in rural areas who haven't previously participated in Summer Meal Programs because of transportation barriers. Eligible sponsors in those areas can apply to distribute meals outside of the required group settings and meal service times. (chomplearn_2001/Adobe Stock)

Sponsors needed for TX Dept. of Ag summer feeding programs

The Texas Department of Agriculture is accepting sponsor applications for its 2025 Summer Meal Programs. The Summer Food Service Program and the …

A child's brain is 90% developed by age 5, yet low-income children hear 30 million fewer words by age 3 and may start school 18 months behind. Many rural children lack even one book in their household. (Adobe Stock)

Creating adaptive education solutions for kids in rural TN

Education gaps run deep in rural Tennessee, so community leaders there are working to bridge the divide. The challenges include teacher shortages …

In its next contract, the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program faculty union is looking for

NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

Medicaid is the single largest health insurer for children in New Mexico. (MonaM�kel�/AdobeStock)

GOP budget eyes Medicaid cuts, a significant impact for Native communities

A preliminary federal budget unveiled by Republicans this week includes cuts to Medicaid, which a recent study reveals would disproportionately …

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, between 1992 and 2021, 64% of public pension revenues came from investment earnings and 25% from employer contributions. Employee contributions accounted for about 11%. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Most Americans want pension-driven retirement plans

Whether it's pressure from inflation or health-care costs eating away at savings, a reliable "nest-egg" is still hard to reach for many Americans…

More than a dozen states, including Minnesota, have created paid-leave programs to fill gaps when workers can't get paid as they or a relative recover from an illness. (Adobe Stock)

Start date for MN's paid leave law now up for debate

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

According to the research arm USA Facts, personal saving has become more of the norm as employers shift away from defined benefit plans or pensions. (Adobe Stock)

A possible shift seen in America's troubled retirement savings landscape

Whether it's pressure from inflation or health-care costs eating away at savings, a reliable "nest egg" is still up in the air for many Americans…

As of 2024, there were nearly 9,800 federal employees in Iowa, according to the Congressional Research Service. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa labor advocates push back on anti-worker efforts

A recent round of employee cuts at the Environmental Protection Agency and other efforts by President Donald Trump's administration to follow through …

The 'piece rate' system can determine a slaughterhouse worker's pay based on their production output, or how many pieces of meat they are able to process during their shift. (Adobe Stock)

New study quantifies extreme dangers of slaughterhouse work

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service …

As of January 2025, the average hourly pay for a home-based child care provider in Iowa is $12.48, according to the job site ZipRecruiter. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa invests $14 million to expand child care services

Iowa is making $14 million available to take on the critical lack of child care in the state. Many families said both parents want to work and would…

California's overall rate of educational attainment has increased by 17.4 percentage points since 2009.(Gorodenkoff/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: CA educational attainment exceeds national average

California has inched past the national average in the percentage of adults with a college degree or other postsecondary credential, according to the …

Around 72% of Montanans believe workers' unions help Montana's economy, according to a January poll from the bipartisan firm RABA Research. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: 80% of Montanans oppose reduced workers’ rights

A January survey of Montanans showed a large majority support workers' rights, even as several bills that could affect them move through the state …

People who earn professionally recognized certificates or college degrees beyond high school are more likely to see significant long-term financial, social and health benefits. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado tops in nation for residents with education beyond high school

Colorado is number one nationally, tied with Massachusetts, for its percentage of residents who have a credential or degree beyond high school…

About 38 percent of Oregon Native students went on to college in 2024, which is higher than the national average, but still the lowest of all racial/ethnic groups. (Tasneem H/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Report: OR needs to do more to get Native Americans into higher ed

Institutions need to do more to close the higher education graduation gap for Native Americans, according to a new report. The report notes at just …

The AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program is able to help a person with their past three years' returns. (RomanR/Adobe Stock)

Tax assistance available at sites across ID

Tax season is in full swing and locations are available across Idaho to assist people with preparing their returns. The AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide …

A new federal report finds U.S. service members, when buying cars, are less likely to make a downpayment, more likely to make a smaller downpayment, and more likely to make a negative equity trade-in than civilian buyers. (Freedomz/Adobe Stock)

Report: Military service members pay more for car loans

Military borrowers pay higher costs and face greater financial risks than civilian borrowers when taking out credit to buy a car - according to a new …

In 2022, 6% of all cars, light trucks and SUVs produced in the United States were manufactured in Tennessee. (Tobias Arhelger/Adobe Stock)

UAW contract negotiations at VW focus on higher wages, health care, retirement

The United Auto Workers union is negotiating its first union contract with Volkswagen at its Chattanooga plant, covering more than 4,000 members…

During the pandemic, Congress temporarily expanded the federal Child Tax Credit, with experts noting it helped cut child poverty rates nearly in half. However, a permanent expansion failed to gain traction and states like Minnesota have moved forward with their own credit. (Adobe Stock)

MN's Child Tax Credit has a new twist in year two

Poverty-fighting groups in Minnesota are joining the wave of officials reminding low-income households to take advantage of the state's Child Tax Cred…

Gov. Josh Shapiro's Pennsylvania state budget proposal would strengthen efforts to reintroduce vocational education into Pennsylvania classrooms, with a $5.5 million boost for Career and Technical Education. (Adobe Stock)

PA budget proposal boosts public education, student-teacher stipends

Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed state budget includes a significant increase for public education to address Pennsylvania's school funding issues and …

In the latest analysis of U.S. Department of Labor data by state, Maryland took first place as the worst state for wage theft, owing on average more than $2,200 to workers. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft

Virginia ranks third behind only Maryland and Delaware among the worst states for the average amount of back wages companies owe to their workers…

A Lumina Foundation report revealed 712,000, or almost 44% of Marion County adults, have either an associate's or bachelor's degree, or some type of professional certification. (Adobe Stock)

Study shows IN working adults want more education, employable skills

The rate of U.S. high school seniors seeking higher education is on the upswing, according to research from Lumina Foundation. Although Hoosier …

Data from the consulting firm My Perfect Resume's

Ohio workers weigh job stability against work-life balance

Americans working multiple jobs to cover living expenses has become increasingly common and Ohioans are no exception. According to U.S. Census data…

Data from the State of Supplemental Income report shows paying down debt, paying off student loans, saving for major life goals and covering living expenses are the top reasons for working multiple jobs. (Adobe Stock)

The benefits, pitfalls of juggling two jobs

Americans working two jobs to help with living expenses and cover some extras has become the norm. A study conducted by the company My Perfect …

Some $45 million in tax credits for home energy and efficiency upgrades have benefited more than 21,000 Mainers, according to the Natural Resources Council of Maine. (Adobe Stock)

ME benefits from $2.2 billion in federal clean energy investments

Conservation groups in Maine are calling on the state's congressional delegation to protect federal funding for clean energy technologies. A new …

On average in Montana, full-time child care costs between $9,100 and $11,700 per year per child, according to Montana Advocates for Children. (Adobe Stock)

Montana groups bring unique solutions to child care problems

Child care is expensive and in high demand but groups in Montana are taking creative approaches to help. Child care services in Montana currently …

One of the biggest challenges for Pennsylvania's indigent defense community is attracting and hiring qualified public defenders. (Thanksforbuying/Adobe Stock)

Public defender shortage in PA sparks hiring push

More than 60 counties in Pennsylvania have a shortage of public defenders for low-income residents who need these services. This Friday in …

There is a shortage of more than 78,000 rental homes deemed

Advocacy groups tee up their priorities for NV Legislature

The Nevada Legislature has kicked off this week and progressive groups are sharing their top priorities. Many are asking Gov. Joe Lombardo to work …

According to the nonprofit Feeding Texas, one in six households in the state are food insecure. (Stella/Adobe Stock)

$450 million available to feed Texas kids this summer

The final deadline is approaching for members of the Texas Legislature to decide on participating in the Summer EBT program, which provides grocery …

Nearly half of U.S. adults said it was at least somewhat hard for them to regularly obtain and eat nutritious foods, and 54% agreed the nation is not making enough progress in making nutritious food accessible and affordable, according to a 2024 survey from Research!America and the American Heart Association. (Adobe Stock)

Revive SNAP Stretch, WV growers, consumers urge

Food advocates are calling on lawmakers to help jump-start the state's SNAP Stretch program, which was paused last year due to budget constraints…

Utah's overall rate of educational attainment has increased by 22.5 percentage points since 2009. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Utah sits well above national average for adults' degree attainment

Utah has made noteworthy progress in increasing the number of working-age adults who hold a degree or credential beyond high school. Credentials are …

Although the Michigan Supreme Court upheld the 2018 voter initiatives for paid sick leave and a minimum-wage increase, the current Legislature has the power to reverse those laws, provided legal procedures are followed. (dennis/Adobe Stock)

MI nonprofit opposes bill that opposes paid sick leave, wage hike

A bipartisan nonprofit group in Michigan is opposing pending legislation which would reverse a Michigan Supreme Court ruling, stripping paid sick …

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, nearly 48 million Americans provide care to an adult family member or friend, with 61% also holding jobs. (ChayTee/Adobe Stock)

Push for caregiver tax relief gains momentum in Ohio, nationally

During his campaign, President Donald Trump promised tax credits for family caregivers. With Trump now in office, advocates in Ohio and across the …

Statewide, Medi-Cal provides medical and dental benefits for 38% of the population, or 14 million people. (Carlos/Adobe Stock)

New report shows big racial gaps in use of Medi-Cal dental benefits

A new report shows what it calls a "dental divide" in the Los Angeles area - finding that only 20% to 25% of people on Medi-Cal actually use their den…

Private health insurance administrative costs in the U.S. are nearly six times higher than the costs of Canada's single payer system. (Adobe Stock)

Universal ‘Medicare for All’ bill advances in CO legislature

As health insurance premiums keep rising, Colorado lawmakers are advancing a bill to look at a universal Medicare for All option. A 2020 report in …

Community action agencies are celebrating 50 years of the Earned Income Tax Credit. On average, eligible taxpayers received $2,743 from the credit in tax year 2023, according to the Internal Revenue Service. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Expanded tax credits, free tax service help MA families get ahead

Community action agencies in Massachusetts called the state's expanded tax credits "powerful antipoverty tools" and they are offering free tax prep se…

The number of of working-age adults with degrees or credentials continues to grow, according to new data from Lumina Foundation. (Adobe Stock)<br />

More than half of Kentuckians have a college degree or credential

Kentucky is inching closer to its goal of having 60% of residents equipped with a college degree or credential by 2030. The latest data from Lumina …

Data from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce showed, of the 2,540 students in Akron City who use EdChoice, almost 88% are

Debate intensifies over OH school vouchers as Trump advocates expansion

As Ohio's private school voucher program nears $1 billion in funding, the Trump administration is pushing to expand school choice nationwide by …

About 56% of Democrats want affordable housing for low-income Utahns, compared with 22% of Republicans. About 44% of Republicans desire affordable housing for first-time home buyers, while only 22% of Democrats feel the same way. (Adobe Stock)

Cost of living, political dysfunction top concerns for Utahns

The Utah Legislature has been in session for almost two weeks and one nonprofit research organization contended in order for state lawmakers to be eff…

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