Public Benefits
Public benefits kept 44 million out of poverty in 2017 according to data from the Census Bureau with Social Security responsible for keeping 27 million people above the line on its own. Given the enormous importance of these programs, figuring out how best they should be structured to assist those in hardship and encourage opportunity is a crucial question.This section of the Spotlight website gathers the latest research, news, and opinion around government benefits and programs.
Related News
Poverty Spikes in The Land of The Tech Billionaires
“SAN FRANCISCO — It takes Tazo Stuart-Riascos 28,000 steps per day to make ends meet in one of America’s most unaffordable places.
A North Carolina Medicaid Program Worked on Every Level—And Got Killed
“In early 2023, Rebecca Smith was two months sober and looking for help. Her addiction to methamphetamines had cost her custody of her children, and she’d moved back home to Graham County, North Carolina, to rebuild her life. High cholesterol and heart problems ran in her family, and during her struggle with addiction she had been diagnosed with diabetes. She knew that staying sober would require taking better care of herself.
Trump Plan Would Limit Disability Benefits For Older Americans
“The Trump administration is preparing a plan that would make it harder for older Americans to qualify for Social Security disability payments, part of an overhaul of the federal safety net for poor, older and disabled people that could result in hundreds of thousands of people losing benefits, according to people familiar with the plans.
Amid Government Shutdown, WIC Could Run Out of Funding In Weeks
“Funding for a program that helps millions of women and children with neonatal care and nutrition could soon run out as the federal government plunges deeper into a shutdown, according to Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought.
Watchdog Report on Georgia Medicaid Program Raises Concerns
“A federal watchdog reported last week that Georgia’s program requiring able-bodied adults to document low-paying work to get Medicaid has spent much more on administrative costs than on providing health care.
Medicaid Cuts Could Hamper Efforts to House The Homeless
“In pushing deep Medicaid cuts through Congress this year, President Trump and his Republican allies did not just squeeze a program that pays doctors and hospitals to provide poor people health care.
Parents Fear Losing Disability Protections as Civil Rights Office is Cut
Devon Price, a 15-year-old boy with autism, has attended the largest school district in North Carolina for 10 years, but he cannot read or write. His twin sister, Danielle, who is also autistic, was bullied by classmates and became suicidal.
Hospitals Warn GOP Medicaid Cuts Could Hurt Kids, Not Just 'Able-Bodied' Adults
“Republicans insist that President Donald Trump’s cuts to Medicaid were aimed at reducing fraud and getting more of its adult beneficiaries into jobs. But the side effects may include less care for sick kids.
Mapping Diaper Insecurity in the U.S.
“With the rising cost of living, many families with young children in the US are struggling to afford basic necessities, like diapers and period products. This often forces caregivers to make trade-offs that can negatively affect both their and their children’s health and well-being.
