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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.
Type
State
Issue
The Greenville News, January 20, 2011: Proposed school funding formula gives more weight to poor districts
"A new school funding formula is headed for debate in the Senate that would grant extra funding weight to districts for all poor students and those who have trouble speaking English."
The Associated Press, January 19, 2011: Some Atlanta seniors to get help with gas bills
"The Georgia Public Service Commission has approved a $5 million grant to provide assistance to low-income senior citizens who are natural gas customers in the Atlanta Gas Light Company distribution area."
Des Moines Register, January 18, 2011: Preschool battle looms at Capitol
"Melissa and Orlando Winters make enough money to scrape by, but too much to qualify for government-run preschool programs for low-income families. The couple worry Iowa lawmakers will wipe out universal preschool just as their daughter... becomes eligible for it."
Charlotte Observer, January 18, 2011: Study: Child literacy sites get results
"Famed child advocate Marian Wright Edelman on Monday helped celebrate a Charlotte literacy program for low-income children whose success has been validated by a new UNC Charlotte study."
The Associated Press, January 18, 2011: Va gov touts K-12 merit-pay, corporate tax credits
"The corporate scholarship measure would provide tax credits to companies that donate cash to nonprofit organizations that provide private-school scholarships to low-income students."
News & Record, January 18, 2011: Funding vital for new slots at Head Start
"'These are kids below the poverty level and there is an enormous volume of research showing that preparing children for success in school in these early years ... is a tremendously positive investment,' Britt said."
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, December 18, 2011: In N.Y., it's rich district, poor district
"Imagine a public school district that doesn't offer kindergarten or athletics and has so few elective classes that high school juniors and seniors only attend school for half a day."
Sacramento Bee, January 18, 2011: North Natomas confronts school, housing problems
"A city ordinance requires 15 percent of housing in new growth areas to be affordable to low- and very-low-income people."
January 17-24, 2011: Harris Poll---Nationwide poll solicits the public's views on cutting federal spending now compared to in 1980 when Ronald Reagan was inaugurated.
Topic(s): Aging, Economic Opportunity, Education, Health
The Washington Post, January 17, 2011: Black leaders regroup to address child poverty
"The reason for the gathering, which included historian John Hope Franklin and civil rights matriarch Dorothy Height, was to address growing rates of poverty among black children."
The Indianapolis Star, January 16, 2011: Are vouchers the best choice for students?
"Gov. Mitch Daniels made a strong case Tuesday night when he urged lawmakers to pass a voucher law that would let low-income families use tax dollars to pay tuition at private schools."
The Daily News Journal, January 16, 2011: (Editorial) Schools must up learning standard
"Most of Rutherford County's schools could learn some lessons from John Colemon Elementary School in Smyrna, which posts impressive scores each year despite a large number of low-income students and children from homes where English is the second language."
