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Legislation Introduced to Update Poverty Measure
Before the August recess, Senator Chris Dodd reintroduced the Measuring American Poverty (MAP) Act to update the current federal poverty
measure. The MAP Act would create a Modern Poverty Measure reflecting the current costs of food, housing, clothing, shelter and utilities.
(Spotlight on Poverty). Learn more about the MAP Act»
States Impose Cuts That Hurt Vulnerable Residents
With tax revenue declining as a result of the recession and budget reserves largely drained, the vast majority of states are making spending
cuts that hurt families and reduce necessary services. The cuts enacted in at least 41 states are occurring in health care, services to the
elderly and disabled, K-12 education, higher education, and other areas. (CBPP). Read more»
Postsecondary Correctional Education Benefits Offenders
Increasing educational proficiency has shown promise as one strategy for assisting inmates in finding gainful employment after release and
ending their involvement with the criminal justice system. This report examines the effect of prison-based postsecondary education on
offenders both while incarcerated and after release. (Urban). Read full report»
Employers Struggle with Ill-Prepared Workforce
A new report shows that U.S. employers continue to struggle with an ill-prepared workforce, finding new hires lack crucial basic and
applied skills. The report highlights how critical it is for companies to be more strategic and focused on efforts such as providing
internships and working in partnership with community colleges on workforce readiness initiatives to prepare new entrants before they
enter the workplace. (Corporate Voices for Working Families). Read full report»
State Mental Health Agencies Prevent Homelessness
A new report highlights state mental health agencies and their approaches to helping clients access housing. The paper shares examples
of how states created housing positions within the mental health agency, partnered with other state agencies and organizations, participated
in plans to end homelessness, provided housing technical assistance throughout the state and used data to promote programs.
(Alliance to End Homelessness). Read full report»
Seniors Receive No Cost of Living Increase
Seniors receiving social security benefits are on track to receive a “zero” cost of living adjustment next year. That
would make 2010 the first year since the government began automatically adjusting benefits according to inflation in 1975 that there
has been no cost of living increase. Many seniors may actually receive slightly smaller checks because rising Medicare premiums are
deducted from Social Security benefits. (EPI). Read more»
Income Supports May Impact Recipients Health
Major social programs that affect the economic well-being of large segments of the population have rarely been examined for their
potential health impact. Research examining the role of Social Security benefits in reducing disability rates or the impact of EITC
benefits on infant mortality would enhance policymaking efforts to lift low-income families out of poverty and reduce health
disparities. (Spotlight on Poverty). Read more»
U.S. Workers Experience Stagnant Wages
Stagnating wages and the declining number of employers contributing to workers' retirement plans, have lowered living standards even
for those workers who have managed to hold onto their jobs. Many employers are cutting hours, threatening to further limit consumer
consumption and delay an economic recovery. (EPI). Read more»
Therapy Animals Support Maltreated Kids
The Therapy Animals Supporting Kids Program was created to provide guidance to professionals who work with children who have been
maltreated and could benefit from involvement with therapy animals. This manual identifies six situations for incorporating therapy
animals into work helping traumatized children, and details the benefits, drawbacks and potential legal ramifications involved with
each type of situation. (American Humane). Read more»
U.S. Cities Vary Widely in Teen Births
This report contains teen birth data for 73 of the largest cities in the U.S. Among the findings: Detroit has the highest percentage
of teen births San Francisco has the lowest percentage of teen births. The report also includes data by city on the percentage of
teen births that are repeat births. (Child Trends). Read more»
Mental Health Service Providers Face Restrictions
Under President Bush, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services restricted states’ ability to cover several Medicaid mental health
services used heavily by foster children. Despite President Obama’s withdrawal of the Bush policies upon taking office, their implementation
has continued into his term. Congressional action may be required to firmly establish states’ prerogative to cover and bill for therapeutic
services in the manner of their choice. (Alliance). Read more»
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