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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Ohio counties see less unemployment, but officials not encouraged
Unemployment rates have dropped for the first time in the last 10 months in some Ohio counties, but officials say that this does not mean people are finding jobs. Experts attribute the decrease to more people giving up on finding work and going back to school. This has caused more families to rely on food pantries and government assistance. Ohio had an unemployment rate of 10.8 percent last month.
Original story
Labels: Ohio, unemployment
Wisconsin jobless insurance fund runs dry
Wisconsin’s unemployment insurance fund has run out of money. Though the state does not have funds, unemployment checks are still being delivered because Wisconsin is borrowing the money from the federal government. The state’s debt has risen to $569 million and is expected to reach $2 billion by the end of 2010.
Original story
Labels: state debt, unemployment, unemployment checks, Wisconsin
Insurers Told to Stop ‘Misleading’ Elderly about Health Reforms
The government has ordered health insurers to stop sending Medicare beneficiaries “misleading and confusing” messages detailing how proposed health reform legislation could strip seniors of their benefits through drastic cuts in funding. Insurers have been encouraging enrollees to protest the legislation, and see the government’s “gag order” as attacking free speech. Members of Congress contend that the bill only strengthens the Medicare program.
Original story
Labels: benefits, health insurance, health reform, Medicare, seniors
Homeless in Western Maryland seek daytime shelter in public libraries
As unemployment rates and the number of homeless rise, some of the homeless have sought daytime refuge in public libraries, since shelters are generally open only at night. That has led to complaints from female staff and library patrons, who feel harassed by the mostly male homeless population, some of whom h ave have mental illnesses.
Original story
Labels: homeless, homeless shelters, libraries
New York Public Housing Authority Enacts Dog Ban
Public housing projects in New York City are trying to reduce dog attacks by prohibiting residents from keeping dogs that weigh more than 25 pounds. The ban also applies to all pure-bred or mixed-breed pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. It has forced the owners of at least 113 dogs to give up them up to shelters, where they are adopted or euthanized. Some residents have refused to comply with the policy, and face eviction.
Original story
Labels: dogs, New York City, public housing system
Galveston still recovering from effects of 2008’s Hurricane Ike
One year after Hurricane Ike hit Galveston, Texas, many of the poor, elderly and uninsured have yet to recover. Nearly one-quarter of families who returned home after the storm can no longer live in their damaged housing. Aid is available, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has distributed assistance to 21,800 households. FEMA limits the amount given any single household to $28,800, which some residents find insufficient to cover damages.
Original story
Labels: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Galveston, hurricane ike, poor, uninsured
Colorado jobless rate less dire, but outlook grim
One year after the nation’s economy plunged into recession, job prospects continue to look bleak. This is true in Colorado, where the unemployment rate of 7.3 percent is better than the national rate of 9.7 percent, but where food pantries reported 25 percent more traffic this summer than last. With the House’s proposed bill to extend unemployment benefits only available to states holding an unemployment rate of at least 8.5%, Colorado expects no relief in the near future.
Original story
Labels: Colorado, food pantries, jobless, recession, unemployment
House moves to extend unemployment benefits
Amid tentative predictions of an end to the national recession, the House is examining emergency legislation to aid millions of Americans who see no end to their economic hardships. A bill by Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., would extend unemployment benefits by 13 weeks for people who live in states with jobless rates of at least 8.5 percent. The bill is expected to pass easily, despite fire from critics arguing that it could be a disincentive to looking for work.
Original story
Labels: jobless rates, McDermott, unemployment benefits
Federally subsidized nutrition program moves in healthier direction
The government has enacted sweeping reforms to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, better known as WIC, which offers dietary staples to disadvantaged families. Calorie-rich foods originally distributed to fight child malnourishment are being replaced by fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in the hope of combating. Incentives are also being offered to mothers who breastfeed as a healthier alternative to infant formula.
Original story
Labels: and Children, Infants, nutrition, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, WIC
One North Carolina county’s foreclosures defy national trends
Though the recession has sent national foreclosure rates soaring, Cleveland County, N.C.’s foreclose rates have actually fallen even though unemployment continues to rise. One bankruptcy attorney says the numbers may be misleading because Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are observing a foreclosures freeze. Protection laws have also been enacted to protect homeowners from foreclosure and from intimidating debt collection practices.
Original story
Labels: bankruptcy, Cleveland County, Fannie Mae, foreclosure, Freddic Mac, long-term unemployment, recession
Program fights poverty in New York with cash inducements
An antipoverty program in New York is paying families up to $5,000 a year for attending school, undergoing regular checkups, and staying employed. The program, which is experimental, is continuing for a third year, and seems to be making student attendance more consistent and improving grades. Over $11 million has been distributed to 2,400 families.
Original story
Labels: antipoverty program, new york
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