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"Des Moines' largest and arguably most visible public housing building could be sold as part of broader, long-term plans to spread low-income housing throughout the city."

"The program is neither a debt threat today, nor a deficit buster, defenders argue. It must be underscored that Social Security is an effective antipoverty program. Millions of Americans, especially low-income seniors, depend on these checks. The program needs to be protected."

"The bill wades into another area of disagreement between Republicans and Democrats by granting vouchers to help low-income families at failing public schools pay for private educations. It also eliminates aid aimed at promoting racial integration in Twin Cities schools..."

"Along a mile stretch in upper Manhattan, staffers at seven schools educate a daunting population - at least one in five of their students is homeless."

"Gov. Chris Gregoire championed them $5,000 a year to all board-certified teachers and another $5,000 to those who teach in high-poverty schools. She was supported by a 2006 survey of Washington's board-certified teachers showing 83 percent said they would be... willing" to make the move."

"He suggests a universal 401(k) that would be layered on top of Social Security. Every American would get one, and for low-income Americans, the government would provide a 2-to-1 match for the first $2,000 every year, while moderate-income Americans would get a 1-to-1 match..."

"An ideologically diverse coalition is fighting the Education Department's draft proposal for higher-ed funding. The new rules would make it harder for students to receive government-backed loans to attend for-profit universities such as Strayer and Phoenix."

"The nation's wealthiest colleges collectively have failed since 2004 to significantly boost low-income enrollment, and more than half saw declines, including the main campuses of Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh, a survey says."

"Tough choices are needed to bring down spending and the deficit. But eliminating national and community service programs would strike a devastating blow to nonprofits, communities, and millions of vulnerable citizens at a time when social needs are growing, unemployment is high, and Americans are eager to serve."

"Yes, many districts have fine schools, filled with caring teachers and dedicated principals. Be grateful if you have such a school in your neighborhood. Because many others, especially in low-income, urban areas, can't make that boast."

"It serves roughly the population of a small city: 20,000 to 24,000 students daily. The district's average cost of each lunch: $4.63. Students who aren't low income pay between $3.15 and $4. The district's food operation has to 'float its own boat,' Stromstad explained."

"An article by two University of Georgia researchers in the latest issue of the Journal of Poverty demonstrates that students participating in a simulation "soften their attitudes" regarding those who live in poverty."