This blog is a place for journalists to discuss their experiences covering poverty. It works in tandem with onpoverty.org, a site run by Washington and Lee University's American Poverty Journalism Center.
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Farm cutbacks cost college students needed jobs
Ever since a series of crop failures in April, farmers have cut employment by one third, decreasing the number of jobs in rural Yakima County by nearly 1,000. Not only have jobs become scarce for migrant workers, but for college students in Eastern Washington State as well, many of whom rely on them to pay for books and tuition.
Original story
Labels: college students, crop failure, tuition, unemployment
Georgia’s unemployment rate higher than national average
The number of Georgians who are jobless continues to exceed the national average, which is currently at a five-year high. Local officials attribute the rising rate to inflation, housing market woes, and an overall slowing in the economy. What’s more, in some towns, like Hinesville on the Georgia coast, having more education does not make it easier to find a job; rather, it is often harder for better educated residents to find work.
Original story
Labels: Georgia, inflation, jobs, uemployment
Welfare cuts deepen divide between wealthy and non-wealthy states
The Rockefeller Institute of Government released a new report that says states are expected to make further cutbacks in social welfare spending despite the rise in poverty. The study shows a decline in state spending on welfare programs, with the poorest states experiencing the steepest reductions. These reductions are creating a growing division between wealthy and non-wealthy states. For example, Connecticut had the country’s highest per capita income and increased spending on non-cash social welfare programs, while Mississippi had the lowest per capita income and still cut non-cash assistance.
Original story
Labels: division, poverty, welfare
Louisiana emergency food stamp recipients mistakenly receive double benefits
The Louisiana Department of Social Services says an estimated 22,000 emergency food stamp recipients mistakenly received duplicate benefits after Hurricane Gustav because of a “computer program error.” DSS is attempting to recover the extra money and says those who already spent the duplicate benefits will have to repay the money. DSS did not know the total amount of the overpayments.
Original story
Labels: food stamps, Gustav, Louisiana, overpayment
Vermont’s new food stamp program may reach 30,000 households
In response to the rise in food and fuel prices, Vermont plans to expand its food stamp program beginning in January. The current household income limit of 130 percent of the poverty level will be raised to 185 percent, helping the program to potentially reach 30,000 households. While it will cost the state extra funds to administer the program, officials say it could bring an additional $12 million in food benefits into Vermont.
Original story
Labels: food stamps, vermont
Retirees Weighed Down by Heavy Economic Changes
Retirees, already buffeted by soaring food, health care and fuel costs, now are suffering from the decline in financial markets. Often their incomes depend on money from interest-bearing accounts and corporate dividends, both of which have fallen, and with share prices down they are reluctant to sell stocks. As a result, many reach to stretch every dollar and live in financial fear.
Original story
Labels: 401(k), financial market, pension, poverty, retiree
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