Donald Trump’s recent claim that federalizing Washington, DC would solve its crime problem is based on a misunderstanding of the root causes of crime. Research consistently shows that inequality, not poverty, is the primary driver of societal disintegration and criminal behavior.
Mississippi lawmakers have begun negotiating a plan to expand Medicaid coverage to tens of thousands of Mississippians. This expansion is being considered as part of a larger federal overhaul that was signed into law in 2010. Currently, Mississippi is one of ten states that have not expanded Medicaid coverage to people who work low-wage jobs. The House voted to expand coverage to about 200,000 people who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level, while the Senate passed a pared-down version that would extend eligibility to people earning up to 100% of the federal poverty level. A compromise has been offered by the House Medicaid Committee Chairwoman, which would allow Mississippi to receive the full amount of federal money possible for Medicaid expansion.
Texas has temporarily halted a guaranteed income program that was set to provide $500 per month to nearly 2,000 residents of Houston, following a legal challenge from the state’s attorney general. The program, known as Uplift Harris, was deemed unconstitutional by the Texas Supreme Court, which granted a temporary injunction against it. Harris County officials, who had argued that the program would help fight poverty in the area, expressed disappointment but vowed to continue fighting for the policy.
Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has launched a scathing attack on the BJP government in the state, calling it “partly ineffective, partly indifferent, and wholly useless”. Hooda highlighted the rising poverty, unemployment, and crime rates in Haryana under the BJP’s rule, citing government data to support his claims.
Janet Gracia, the newly appointed president and CEO of Neighborhood House, shares her vision for the organization. Gracia, a former single mother, found support and belonging at Neighborhood House during her early years in St. Paul. Now, she aims to expand its mission of providing stability and opportunity to families from all backgrounds.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasizes the multi-dimensional nature of poverty and highlights key achievements in poverty alleviation in India. She highlights the importance of employment, healthcare, transportation, and access to essential amenities in defining poverty.
