Welfare Reform / Public News Service

According to federal data, SNAP benefits cover 34,000 children and 9,000 seniors in South Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

SD food bank: We're stretched too thin to absorb SNAP cuts

Federal data show roughly 75,000 South Dakota households rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table and hunger-fighting groups paint a troubling p…

According to KFF, federal Medicaid spending in Kentucky would be reduced by about $15 billion over the next 10 years under cuts proposed in the reconciliation bill. (Nick Lohre/Adobe Stock)

Cuts in federal mega-bill could close Kentucky hospitals

As Congress considers cuts to safety-net programs in what Republicans are calling the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," new analysis from the nonpartisan …

More than two-thirds of SNAP recipients are in households with at least one child. (Adobe Stock)

Federal SNAP cuts threaten higher taxes or slashed benefits in VA, advocates say

Last week, Senate Republicans unveiled reduced cuts to food assistance programs in their version of the budget bill. The proposal from Senate …

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, thousands of Arkansans could lose Medicaid coverage because of work requirements. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

AR residents could lose Medicaid under budget reconciliation bill

As Congress considers cuts to safety-net programs for what Republicans are calling the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," new analysis from the nonpartisan…

According to KFF, Medicaid enrollees with disabilities face more challenges in finding work. Among people ages 19-64, 32% receive disability income while 68% do not. Employment rates are lower for Medicaid-eligible adults with disabilities (37%) compared to those without (68%). (Adobe Stock)

Work requirements could push over 300,000 Tennesseans off Medicaid

As Congress pushes for Medicaid cuts and new work requirements for the program, experts have warned more Tennesseans could lose their health coverage …

Kelly explains how proposed federal budget cuts would impact AZ

As Republicans in Washington continue to negotiate provisions in President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful" bill, a recent report from the Joint …

Some 92% of people younger than 65 who are covered by Medicaid are either employed or unable to work because of disability, illness, caregiving responsibilities or school obligations, according to KFF. (Adobe Stock)

108,000 Coloradans would lose Medicaid coverage under work requirements

The current Republican reconciliation bill in Congress would require able-bodied adults covered by Medicaid to prove they work, go to school or do …

Two-thirds of Virginians who receive SNAP benefits have a child in the house, and 36% are in working families. (Adobe Stock)

Bill would allow SNAP recipients to seek paid job training without losing benefits

A new bill in the U.S. House of Representatives could make it easier for people to get job training while they're receiving federal food assistance…

On average, military families are more likely to have a child with special or mental-health needs compared with civilian families. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MD military families rely on Medicaid, critical to national security

Republican lawmakers are considering billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid. But a new report finds those spending cuts might impact health-care …

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed nine executive orders Tuesday which he said aim to improve the health in the state. (Indiana Governor's office)

Candy, soda out as Indiana reworks SNAP benefits

Gov. Mike Braun rolled out a sweeping health and government assistance initiative Tuesday, backed by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert …

When a tariff is imposed, the importing business pays the tax to the U.S. Treasury Department. Importers then pass much of the added cost to consumers. (freshidea/Adobe Stock)

Texans brace for financial impact of trade wars

Texas is the number one exporting state in the nation - and although tariffs with Mexico and Canada have been delayed, Texans are still uneasy about …

Proposed federal cuts to Medicaid over the next decade are equal to program spending for 22 million children nationwide, or 76% of children enrolled, according to KFF. (Adobe Stock)

Montana teachers concerned over looming federal Medicaid cuts

The U.S. House of Representatives last month passed a budget resolution that would reduce the federal deficit by $880 billion over the next decade…

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 …

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 …

Montana ranks ninth in the country for the ratio of non-elderly adults in rural areas that rely on Medicaid coverage, at 22.2%, according to a January report from the Georgetown Center for Children and Families. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Native communities would see big impacts from proposed Medicaid cuts

A January report shows that in rural counties home to large numbers of American Indians, including in Montana, people are more likely to rely on …

In 2022, Ohio's WIC program served an average of 160,145 participants per month, including 38,097 women, 40,358 infants and 81,690 children. (Adobe Stock)

WIC benefits in Ohio unaffected, but federal spending review sparks concern

The White House has rescinded a directive that froze federal grants and loans after a federal judge ruled it unlawful. While the freeze was lifted…

Colorado's safety-net community health centers deliver coordinated dental, medical and behavioral health care. (Adobe Stock)<br />

CO community health centers saved $17.3 million in Medicare dollars

The Community Health Provider Alliance improved health care quality and saved $17.3 million in taxpayer money that would have been paid out by Medicar…

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…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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Welfare Reform