Page 32 - Poverty Issues News Today

Almost one in three in Missouri lives with a disability, which can sometimes make navigating the world a challenge. People First of Missouri has been helping them advocate for themselves since it was formed in Kansas City in the 1990s. Roger Crome, president of the group, said the mission is to help people live the life they want in the community. ...

Some New York groups are taking action to reduce the number of disabled people being hurt in e-bike crashes. According to New York Citys crash mapper, there have been more than 1,200 incidents of e-bike, motorbike and bicycle crashes in the past year. A petition by Pedestrians for Bike Safety to implement safer cycling conditions garnered almost 5,000 signatures. ...

In Arkansas and across the country, student mental health has been the focus of increased attention on campuses. A recent report from the College Futures Foundation noted colleges and universities are directly affecting how their students feel and fare. Buster Lackey, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Arkansas, said 2022 research showed 60% of college students experienced some type of mental health challenge. ...

As workers wait for the full Pennsylvania House to vote on whether to increase the state minimum wage, one economist said the increase would be a step in the right direction, but should happen sooner. This week, a House committee passed House Bill 1500, which would raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour by 2026. Stephen Herzenberg, executive director of the Keystone Research Center, pointed out it would increase the hourly wage more slowly than what has been proposed by Gov. ...

Legislation has just gone into effect this month in Alabama that should help people who started on the path to their college degree or credential but werent able to finish. Senate Bill 175 is seen as a way to increase the number of adults who go back to school. It will establish a ReEngage Alabama Grant Program for eligible adult learners. ...

The Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division is working on a new Olmstead Plan in the Silver State, which mandates that public entities ensure people with disabilities are given the opportunity to live in integrated settings. The name is from the 1999 U.S. Supreme Court Olmstead decision, which found people with disabilities have the right to receive state-funded services and support in their communities, rather than in institutions. ...

Support staff in public schools across the Commonwealth have created a "Bill of Rights" to help them organize for better pay and benefits. Known as Education Support Professionals or paraeducators, they do it all: teach, help students with disabilities, clean classrooms and serve as a teachers second set of ears and eyes. Michaela Keefe, a paraeducator in Hingham, hopes their Bill of Rights will help convince the local school committee to ensure what she called a living wage ...

Gov. Spencer Cox has announced a statewide initiative to increase awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program, which aims to get more Utahns connected to the internet. The "ACP Act Now: Utah" initiative unites a number of stakeholders to close the broadband affordability gap. ...

As Massachusetts lawmakers work to finalize tax-relief measures, advocates for low-income families are calling for an expansion of tax credits proven to reduce poverty. Advocates want to increase the Earned Income Tax Credit state match rate from 30% to 50%, expand the credit to working immigrants and pass an inclusive Child and Family Tax Credit. Charlotte Bruce, senior research and policy analyst for Childrens HealthWatch, said the tax credits will ultimately benefit the entire state. ...

Postal workers in San Antonio and other cities want Congress to know their work environment is toxic due to understaffing and managers they claim "harass, intimidate and bully" employees. Workers rallied outside San Antonios main post office Friday, ahead of todays International Workers Day - a celebration of laborers and the working class. Alex Aleman, president of the American Postal Workers Union local in San Antonio, said the difficult environment is taking its toll on ...