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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New York borrows from federal government to pay jobless benefits
Since the first day of the business year, New York State’s unemployment insurance system has been out of money, and has been borrowing $90 million a week from the federal unemployment trust fund. State officials say that the borrowing will not affect benefits payments. However, the loans could end up costing the state nearly $100 million in interest and may lead to tough new taxes on employers.
Original story
Labels: new york, unemployment insurance
Idaho hopeful for $40 million in Medicaid stimulus
The proposed federal economic stimulus package may save Idaho from cutting about $40 million in Medicaid insurance benefits. Congress is developing an $825 billion economic stimulus plan to boost funds for unemployment benefits, food stamps and Medicaid. The stimulus package would help cover the $77 million in cuts to services contained in Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s proposed budget.
Original story
Labels: food stamps, Idaho, insurance benefits, Medicaid, stimulus package, unemployment benefits
More Central New Yorkers applying for government aid
With the economy faltering and unemployment rising, more Central New Yorkers are seeking government aid. Welfare officials predict an increase in the demand for food stamps, as well as Medicaid and HEAP, which provides assistance with home heating bills. While not every applicant will receive help, the state has made it easier to apply for these programs by accepting applications via the Internet and by telephone. Recent changes have been aimed at helping those who receive aid find jobs.
Original story
Labels: food stamps, HEAP, Medicaid, new york
Increased cigarette tax may help save Virginia hospital and healthcare jobs
Deep cuts to the state’s Medicaid system of healthcare for the poor could lead to layoffs at nursing home and hospital facilities throughout Virginia. Gov. Tim Kaine proposed doubling the cigarette tax to 60 cents per pack, which would raise another $148 million for Medicaid. The hospital association predicts that without the additional money, 11,314 jobs may be lost. Even with the tax increase, job cuts could still occur given the low rate of Medicaid reimbursement.
Original story
Labels: cigarette tax, Gov. Tim Kaine, healthcare, Medicaid, Virginia
Obama intends to expand health insurance for children
President Obama plans to rescind a Bush administration policy that has hindered state efforts to provide health insurance to children from low- and middle-income families. Under the Bush policy, the federal government would not allow states to cover children from families with incomes above 250 percent of the poverty level, or $53,000 for a family of four, unless they met preconditions. However, Obama and Congress hope to expand federal programs to cover the uninsured, including middle-income families that have lost health benefits along with their jobs.
Original story
Labels: children's health insurance program, Obama
Mixed perceptions on employment prospects under the Obama administration
In light of the recession, many Americans are hopeful the Obama presidency will create more jobs and reduce unemployment. However, some are skeptical of what the new president can do for the country’s jobless rates, and many are coming to accept that recovering from the current economy will mean they must cope with less than they had before the downturn. New college graduates are working as waiters and shelf-stockers, while management jobs are filled increasingly by people with graduate degrees.
Original story
Labels: Obama, recession, unemployment
More families in Washington State seek government aid
Applications for food stamps rose 42 percent in November in the state of Washington, where demand for government assistance has been steadily increasing. More people are eligible for food stamps since the maximum income a family of three can earn and still qualify was raised to twice the federal poverty level of $17,600. Still, an increasing number of people seeking help do not qualify for government assistance because they are too young, own a home, or were recently employed.
Original story
Labels: food stamps, government assistance, Washington
New Hampshire raises spending despite strapped budgets
Because New Hampshire state law requires local communities to aid residents who cannot provide shelter and food for themselves, welfare officers across the state are seeing more new faces, even in affluent communities, and are spending thousands of dollars over their budgets. Many of those who apply are trying to cope with layoffs, divorces, or medical expenses.
Original story
Labels: budgets, New Hampshire, welfare applications
Longer waiting times for welfare benefits
In Rockland County, near New York City, applicants for state aid are facing longer waits. A growing number of people are applying for cash grants, food stamps and Medicaid. But because of rising demand and staff cuts, applicants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, commonly known as welfare, wait an average four weeks to be interviewed for admission to the program. Demand for cash assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid is up, with 200 applicants waiting for face-to-face interviews, while 24 employees have been lost to early retirement.
Original story
Labels: cash assistance, food stamps, new york, Rockland County, state aid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, wait times, welfare Medicaid
Cities’ unemployment forecast grim for 2009
Urban joblessness is expected to soar, with as many as 70 cities likely to have unemployment rates top 10 percent by the end of the year, according to a report commissioned by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Greater Miami will lose 85,000 jobs and have an unemployment rate of more than 8 percent, while Chicago is expected to lose 80,000 jobs as well. New York will take the biggest hit as Wall Street firms continue to cut payrolls. More than 181,000 New Yorkers could be out work within the year.
Original story
Labels: Chicago, Miami, new york, unemployment, urban unemployment, Wall Street
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