Social Services
In Georgia, inadequate housing can mean significantly longer stays in foster care
Even after resolving other safety concerns, parents can wait for months to be reunited with their children, often because of what advocates say are stringent requirements sought by the state’s Division of Family and Children Services.
Some low-wage earners must choose between pay raises and government assistance
Lawmakers in North Carolina heard from experts about the “benefits cliff” and how other jurisdictions are developing strategies to lessen its impact on low-income families.
States turn to Medicaid to tackle housing insecurity
Section 1115 Medicaid waivers can help states reduce health inequities by covering housing costs and providing meal support for vulnerable populations.
Biden proposes 'historic new program' to address child care shortages
In his budget, the president is asking Congress for more money for child care and the restoration of several pandemic-era programs, including the full child care tax expansion.
House passes spending bills in bipartisan vote
The package of bills provides additional funding for WIC and rental assistance, but drastically cuts funds funds for the largest state and local housing grant program and transit.
White House beefs up child care block grants
A new rule caps the total amount low-income families have to pay for child care at 7% of their income and directs states to pay child care providers more fairly and on time.
As millions wait on food stamp approvals, feds tell states to speed it up
To adequately staff safety net programs, some states are boosting workforce funding, and others are investing in new computer systems to speed up claims processing. But food security advocates say recent backlogs are a symptom of long-term disinvestment.
Halfway through ‘unwinding,’ Medicaid enrollment is down about 10 million
While many beneficiaries no longer qualify because their incomes rose, millions of people have been dropped from the rolls for procedural reasons like failing to respond to notices or return paperwork.
Mayors, feds bemoan immigration ‘paralysis’
City leaders overwhelmed by the influx of migrants joined federal officials in strongly urging Congress to address the crisis at the southern border.
Congress averts shutdown for third time in four months
A short-term spending deal was passed on a bipartisan vote in both the House and Senate. But, as some hoped, it does not provide additional funding for two critical programs helping low-income Americans.
A short-term spending deal has been reached that would keep the government open until March
The deal, though, doesn’t include funding for two critical programs for low-income people.
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