Missouri lawmakers propose to cut funding from the state foster care budget and child-care subsidies for low-income families, as well as eliminate dozens of child protection jobs.  Opponents claim that working families may have to sacrifice jobs and resort to welfare for survival.  Moreover, the recent surge of children into foster care combined with lack »

Increasing numbers of families, struggling financially as a result of the recent economic downturn, are turning to discount coupons for help. The coupons at local stores provide affordable groceries for families.  Some families have created business ventures founded upon couponing as a way to earn additional income.  Photo credit:  Danielle Levitt »

A two-day “Truth and Hope Tour of Poverty in North Carolina” crosses western North Carolina by bus, with frequent stops to interview local residents about their experiences with poverty. The tour hopes to humanize poverty and encourage governmental and private assistance.  The tour has attracted the attention of state and local officials as well as »

Lawmakers and women’s groups in Texas continue to battle over funding family planning programs.  Legislators won’t support programs that provide abortions or refer clients to clinics that do; women’s groups fear that low-income women will no longer have access to many of the services clinics provide, such as cervical and breast exams.  The Texas debate »

Police are responding to more reports of domestic violence as a result of the U.S. economic downturn, a survey indicates.  Increased stress at home related to unemployment and economic hardship is blamed for the surge in violence and aggravated assault. »

New rules governing Pennsylvania’s food stamp program will place limits on the assets families can maintain and still qualify for help.  Supporters claim the changes will reduce fraud and restrict food stamps to those who truly need them. Critics say families that now qualify because their income is low will be deterred from applying, and »