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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.
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Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity leads research and consulting initiatives that identify and address barriers to economic well-being.
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The New York Times, January 18, 2014: (Op-Ed) What Happens When the Poor Receive a Stipend?
"Growing up poor has long been associated with reduced educational attainment and lower lifetime earnings. Some evidence also suggests a higher risk of depression, substance abuse and other diseases in adulthood. Even for those who manage to overcome humble beginnings, early-life poverty may leave a lasting mark, accelerating aging and increasing the risk of degenerative disease in adulthood."
Reading Partners pairs below-grade-level readers in D.C. with tutors twice a week
"Launched in the District in 2010, Reading Partners received a $25,000 grant in June from The Washington Post Charities, a McCormick Foundation Fund dedicated to increasing the educational opportunities available to disadvantaged children and teens in the Washington region."
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 15, 2014: Seniors struggling 50 years after war on poverty
"Brown lives on $7,000 annually from Social Security and gets $15 a month in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps. She gets by barely. But she's looking for a part-time job."
Early Reading Proficiency in the United States
Social Security Is a Critical Income Source for Older Americans: State-Level Estimates, 2010–2012
The Aberdeen News, January 10, 2014: (Op-Ed) School lunch statistic reveals hidden truth
"A rather startling calculation came recently via the Sioux Falls School District: Almost half of the students in the city's schools qualify for free or reduced lunches. That means almost every other student in class lives in a family poor enough to qualify for financial assistance from the federal school lunch program."
The Poughkeepsie Journal, January 08, 2014: 'People's State of the State' urges action on school aid, hunger, income disparity
"Advocacy groups held the 24th annual People's State of the State on Tuesday, pushing for an end to income inequality, more money for schools and aid to lower homelessness."
The Washington Post, January 05, 2014: Churning between Medicaid and exchanges could leave gaps in coverage, experts warn
"In 2014, millions of people are expected to shift between the health exchanges and Medicaid as their income fluctuates. That could be costly for states and insurance companies, and patients could wind up having gaps in coverage or having to switch health plans or doctors."
The Sentinel-Standard, December 26, 2013: Kids Count Report: Ionia County child poverty rate escalates
"More Ionia County kids are growing up in families struggling to make ends meet, according to the 2013 Kids Count in Michigan report, which offers clear steps to a brighter future for those children."
The Pensacola News Journal, December 23, 2013: Hungry for the holidays: Many seniors cannot afford enough to eat
"Medically disabled and living below the poverty line, Frison often goes to bed hungry. Even more often since she lost her food stamp benefits four months ago. She said she only got the $16-a-month minimum, but at least the food stamps were enough to buy chicken neck bones. With beans, rice and noodles, she could make the meals last."
Newsday, December 23, 2013: Suffolk to reduce parent fees in its child care program (Subscription Required)
"Suffolk's Department of Social Services is reducing the amount some 300 low-income parents have to pay out-of-pocket for child care coverage, because of an increase in state funding."
The San Francisco Chronicle, December 23, 2013: NY lawmakers want action on child care subsidies
"According to the report, state law authorizes local social service districts to fund child care for families with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, for example, $39,060 for a family of three. Subsidies are also mandated for working families on welfare, with a one-year transitional benefit."
