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University of Wisconsin–Madison
Poverty-related issues in the news, from the Institute for Research on Poverty

Month: April 2019

April 22 – 26, 2019

Medicaid expansion was linked with significant improvements in premature birth and birth weight disparities among black infants between 2011 and 2016, according to a new study. Enrollments for insurance under the Affordable Care Act, which included Medicaid expansion, began in 2014.

 

 

Medicaid officials said the change is required because of the ballot measure approved by voters in November, which expanded Medicaid. State Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln, who led the petition

 

Due in part to rising temperatures from human-caused climate change, the gap between the world’s poorest and richest people has increased in the past half-century.

 

Louisiana cities could have the ability to raise the local minimum wage for their residents and set family leave policies if state lawmakers pass a bill this legislative session.

 

Beginning Saturday, payday lenders in Ohio must comply with a new law that caps interest rates and fees.

 

At the same time, low-income Minnesotans also would benefit most from the governor’s spending proposals, which are funded by the tax increases.

 

National incarceration rates are down by 10 percent over a decade, a welcome development but not quite reason for joy.

 

Most people released from a New York City prison move straight into a shelter.

 

A new report underscores the depth and breadth of Chicago’s affordable housing problem while a plan for an affordable housing development in Logan Square sparks controversy.

 

In most American cities, gentrification has not pushed low-income residents out of the city they call home, according to a new study. D.C. is one of the exceptions.

 

 

April 15 – 18, 2019

At least 95 have closed their doors since 2010, and roughly a quarter of the ones left are at risk of shuttering.

 

As wage gap worsens for black workers in Texas, experts point to weakened labor rights and wealth inequality.

 

A look at different statistics for 17 cultural groups in Minnesota helps illustrate how different residents are doing economically.

 

Stockton’s test of a universal basic income provides $500 a month to 130 residents. It is likely to inform the national political conversation.

 

Cities and states look to raise revenue but not taxes by cracking down on fines.

 

 

Since 2010, Broad Street Ministry has served as a post office for people experiencing homelessness.

 

The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday moved forward with a law that would bar landlords from refusing to consider tenants with Section 8 vouchers.

 

The rule would require expanded use of a verification system meant to confirm a person’s immigration and citizenship status and determine whether people are eligible for benefits.

 

Walmart, Amazon and grocery chains like ShopRite hope to tap into a lucrative new market: Food stamp recipients who want to shop for groceries online.

 

April 8 – 12, 2019

Malnutrition is brought on by several causes, but poverty remains a primary reason, experts say.

 

Almost every night, social workers, with kids in their back seats, are crisscrossing Mass. or camping out at a 24-hour McDonald’s as they await word of a foster family with space for another child.

 

 

Women of color are less likely to get treatment for postpartum depression because they fear they’ll be judged too quickly or harshly by child welfare services. Research shows those fears may be justified.

 

The Kansas Legislature is considering raising the Medicaid rate to reimburse dentists. It would be the first increase since 2001. Only about 30% of the state’s dentists accept Medicaid patients.

 

Starting July 1, some Hoosiers on Medicaid will be required to work part time or risk losing their health coverage.

 

Idaho Gov. Brad Little approved legislation Tuesday adding work restrictions and other conditions to the voter-approved Medicaid expansion initiative.

 

Justice Department asks appeals court to let Kentucky and Arkansas programs go forward.

 

Fifteen of the 25 enhanced shelters contracted by Seattle ended 2018 short of their performance goals, including shelters operated by longtime providers like Mary’s Place, Catholic Community Services and Compass Housing Alliance.

 

A new report proposes several bold, regional plans, including a new state agency and a region-wide database, to tackle the Bay Area’s homelessness crisis.