Battle Over TANF Family Cap Intensifies

In dozens of states, laws on the books discourage low-income women from having children by restricting their TANF benefits. Now, some advocate want to change that.

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Census Data Shows Small Improvements in Incomes, Poverty Rate

The official poverty rate fell slightly to 12.3% in 2017, while median household incomes rose to a new record high of $61,400. We’ve rounded up news coverage and reactions from across the political spectrum.

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What Are Candidates for Governor Saying About Poverty?

Spotlight has worked to catalogue the views of 2018 gubernatorial candidates on poverty-related policy questions. See how the candidate’s stack up on issues like job creation, the minimum wage, and the social safety net

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Spotlight on Poverty & Opportunity

Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity is a non-partisan initiative that brings together diverse perspectives from the political, policy, advocacy and foundation communities to find genuine solutions to the economic hardship confronting millions of Americans.

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In the Spotlight

Spotlight Exclusives includes commentaries from policymakers, advocates, academics, and other contributors from all points on the political spectrum, as well as Out of the Spotlight blog posts from our team. New headlines on poverty and economic mobility are posted daily.

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Spotlight on the States

State and local governments, community-based organizations and other non-profits play a significant role in implementing policies and programs to reduce poverty and promote opportunity.

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* Hover over a state to get a snapshot of poverty statistics in the state, then click or use the drop-down menu to access information and resources, news articles, and links to learn more about state efforts to reduce poverty.

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