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Find the latest stories, research, and insights on policies, programs, and ideas shaping the national conversation on poverty and economic mobility.

In the News
Child and Youth Well-Being
Families
K-12
Politics
Public Benefits
2025
Trump's Next Target: Poverty-Stricken Kids
April 8, 2025

Trump's Next Target: Poverty-Stricken Kids

“As the Trump administration has hacked away at the Department of Health and Human Services these past few weeks, most of the attention has focused on the cuts applied to high-profile agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the News
Cities
Health
Health disparities
Medicaid
Politics
2025
The Three States That Are Especially Stuck if Congress Cuts Medicaid
April 7, 2025

The Three States That Are Especially Stuck if Congress Cuts Medicaid

"If congressional Republicans go through with some of the deep Medicaid cuts they are considering, three states would be left in an especially tight bind.

In the News
Child and Youth Well-Being
Families
Health
Health disparities
Hunger
2025
HHS Layoffs Hit Meals on Wheels And Other Services For Seniors And Disabled
April 3, 2025

HHS Layoffs Hit Meals on Wheels And Other Services For Seniors And Disabled

“The layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services slashed the staffs of major federal aging, disability and anti-poverty programs, leaving the future of those programs uncertain.

In the News
Disability
Health
Health disparities
Medicaid
Politics
2025
Many People With Disabilities Risk Losing Their Medicaid if They Work Too Much
April 1, 2025

Many People With Disabilities Risk Losing Their Medicaid if They Work Too Much

“PLEASANTVILLE, Iowa — Zach Mecham has heard politicians demand that Medicaid recipients work or lose their benefits. He also has run into a jumble of Medicaid rules that effectively prevent many people with disabilities from holding full-time jobs.

In the News
Child and Youth Well-Being
Families
Health
Health disparities
Hunger
2025
RFK Jr.'s Food Stamp Plan Fuels Tension with USDA
March 27, 2025

RFK Jr.'s Food Stamp Plan Fuels Tension with USDA

“Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign to swiftly bar the use of food stamps to buy soda is fueling tensions between his team and the Agriculture Department, according to four people inside and outside government familiar with the dynamics.

In the News
Child Tax Credit
Child and Youth Well-Being
Childcare
Diaper access
Families
2025
In a Shift, More Republicans Want Government Investment in Children
March 25, 2025

In a Shift, More Republicans Want Government Investment in Children

“Democrats have long looked to the government to support their families through public programs and spending. Increasingly, Republicans want the same.

In the News
Child and Youth Well-Being
Families
K-12
Politics
Public Benefits
2025
How the Education Department Cuts Could Hurt Low-Income and Rural Schools
March 24, 2025

How the Education Department Cuts Could Hurt Low-Income and Rural Schools

“President Trump’s efforts to shutter the U.S. Department of Education are in full swing.

In the News
Families
Health
Health disparities
Medicaid
Politics
Kentucky
2025
Kentucky Senate Passes Medicaid Reform Bill Amid Late-Hour Debate
March 18, 2025

Kentucky Senate Passes Medicaid Reform Bill Amid Late-Hour Debate

“LOUISVILLE, Ky. — House Bill 695 passed the Senate Friday night in the eleventh hour. The bill includes changes to Kentucky’s Medicaid program and adds a work requirement to the program.

In the News
Addiction recovery
Equity
Health
Health disparities
Medicaid
2025
Millions in U.S. Live in Places Where Doctors Don't Practice and Telehealth Doesn't Reach
March 17, 2025

Millions in U.S. Live in Places Where Doctors Don't Practice and Telehealth Doesn't Reach

“BOLIGEE, Ala. — Green lights flickered on the wireless router in Barbara Williams’ kitchen. Just one bar lit up — a weak signal connecting her to the world beyond her home in the Alabama Black Belt.