News
Thanks to Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity, this feed reveals the latest news, research and opinions from policymakers, advocates and experts in the field related to economic mobility and opportunity. Please note that the opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views and perspectives of the OpportunityNation campaign.
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The New York Times, August 30, 2011: After Panhandler Says Police Harassed Her, a Judge Tells Them to Stop
"After leaving a job last August and becoming homeless in September, Ms. Hardeman began panhandling on Fifth Avenue. One afternoon in March, she said, police officers arrested her there and detained her in a precinct station house before releasing her without charges.
The New York Times, August 30, 2011: (Op-Ed) State efforts to end insurance coverage for abortions endanger women's health and rights
"The suit comes amid a flurry of court decisions on other abortion-related restrictions. In recent weeks, federal judges in Indiana, Kansas and North Carolina have granted preliminary injunctions against state measures barring the use of Medicaid and federal family-planning money at Planned Parenthood clinics serving low-income women.
Los Angeles Times, August 30, 2011: Here come the inmates
"Real wrap around services involving multiple county agencies, geared at ending cycles of failure for the chronically homeless and for gang-age youth, have been ventured for only small numbers of people participating in exceedingly modest county programs.
The Boston Globe, August 30, 2011: Tax break is uniquely designed to show results
"In posing the hypothetical case of funding affordable housing production with grants rather than with the low-income housing tax credit, he asks `what would be materially different,' and answers: `Not much.' In this he is wrong, not just technically but substantively.
Star-Gazette, August 30, 2011: (Op-Ed) Charity needs your help to aid poor
"Poverty is on the rise in Steuben County. Last year, one in seven Americans lived in poverty. According to the federal government, this is the highest number since it began keeping records 51 years ago.
The New York Post, August 30, 2011: DJ fills empty stomachs
"Long Islander Bill Ayres was a rock 'n' roll disc jockey in 1973 when folk singer-songwriter Harry Chapin was a guest on his radio show and they found a common interest - each was committed to helping the hungry. In 1975, they co-founded what is now called WhyHunger, to find "innovative solutions to hunger and poverty," said Ayres, executive director of the Manhattan-based nonprofit.
The Cincinnati Enquirer, August 30, 2011: Group: 1 in 5 local kids may miss next meal
"Eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly called food stamps, is 130 percent of poverty. The current poverty level for a household of four in the continental United States is $22,350 for a household of four.
The Myrtle Beach Sun-News, August 30, 2011: Race and economics
"I can’t imagine even the most harebrained professor, civil rights leader or media “expert” arguing that there was less discrimination a century ago and that explains why there was greater black labor market participation. Racial discrimination or low skills can explain low wages but not unemployment.
Chillicothe Gazette, August 30, 2011: More public awareness on fair housing laws needed
"The city identified issues with a stigma associated with homeless shelters and group housing facilities. Most recently, there was public opposition to a proposed homeless shelter to be constructed at the former Southern Hills Academy building that was noted in the report.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, August 30, 2011: Shelter offers family chance at fresh start
"The other children are students in the Oconomowoc Area School District, where, Brennan proudly noted, they are doing "very, very well." "Yes, I have been homeless before. I know what it's like to be in a homeless shelter.