Human Services News

At the close of the 2005 National Education Summit on High Schools, Achieve Inc. announced that a group of 13 states -- which together educate more than a third of all U.S. students -- have agreed to form a new coalition to improve high schools. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 5:15 AM

Private Health Care in Jails Can Be a Death Sentence

From NYT > Health:

A yearlong examination of a health care contractor in New York revealed frequent flaws that were sometimes lethal. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 5:11 AM

Mount Sinai Study Shows Impacts of Mercury Pollution on the Health of our Children and the American Economy

New Scientist Breaking News - Teen sex abstinence study sparks controversy

Reductions in IQ due to mercury pollution affect between 300,000 and 600,000 American children each year and will cost the United States an estimated $8.7 billion in lost earnings annually (range: $2.2-$43.8 billion), according to a new study by scientists ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 5:08 AM

February 25, 2005

Teen sex abstinence study sparks controversy

A study suggesting abstinence-only education courses do not curb teenage sexual activity has reignited the debate over such programmes in the US.

Proponents of the abstinence approach argue the new study of teenagers at 29 high schools in President George W Bush's home state of Texas is seriously flawed, as there appears to be no control group against which the impact of the course can be measured.

The study, led by Buzz Pruitt at Texas A&M University, shows a rise in teen sex after a group of ninth grade children - aged about 13 to 14 - underwent abstinence programmes.

Posted by Michael at 4:43 PM

Hunger, Homelessness Still On the Rise in Major U.S. Cities

27-City Survey Finds Requests by Families for Food and Shelter Increasing

Hunger and homelessness continued to rise in major American cities over the last year, according to the new U.S. Conference of Mayors-Sodexho USA Hunger and Homelessness Survey, released today at the Conference of Mayors Headquarters in Washington. In particular, families with children requesting food assistance and emergency shelter also increased substantially over the last year.

Press Room

Posted by Michael at 3:33 PM

NCCP Warns Against Ignoring Children in Social Security Debate

NCCP | Columbia Research Group Warns Against Ignoring Children in Social Security Debate

Social Security is the single largest support program for children in the United States

Although Social Security is the single largest program that provides support to American children, the debate over privatization has focused almost entirely on changes in benefits for retirees. The National Center for Children in Poverty discusses this issue in a policy brief available at www.nccp.org, which outlines the role that Social Security plays in protecting children in the United States.

Posted by Michael at 11:06 AM

Americans Value the Health Benefits of Prescription Drugs, But Say Drug makers Put Profits First, New Survey Shows

From The Kaiser Family Foundation:

The most recent Kaiser Health Poll Report found that Americans believe prescription drugs are improving their lives, but most also say that the drug industry cares more about profits than people. The current report analyzes the new data as well as related polling information from earlier surveys by the Kaiser Family Foundation and other organizations. A Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 2:13 AM

Low Birth Weight Babies Sets the Stage for Type 2 Diabetes Later in Life

Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered one reason why infants with low birth weight have a high potential of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. In studies of mice, the researchers found that poor prenatal nutrition impairs the pancreas's ability to later secrete enough insulin in response to blood glucose.

Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:44 AM

Government to Pay Nearly Half of Health Tab by 2014 (Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Times - WASHINGTON — The introduction of the Medicare prescription drug benefit means that soon the government will be picking up almost half of the nation's healthcare costs, a report released Wednesday shows. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:40 AM

Selling the Social Security Overhaul (Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Times - BRIDGE CITY, Texas — Rep. Kevin Brady had come to the senior center in this rural community to talk about the need to make changes in Social Security. But first, he wanted to reassure his audience that the discussion wouldn't affect them. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:37 AM

Columbia Research Group Warns Against Ignoring Children in Social Security Debate; Social Security Is the Single Largest Support Program for Children in the U.S.

Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:35 AM

Code Red for Iowa's Children: A Teleconference Briefing for Iowa Journalists on Bush's Proposed Budget and its Impact on Children

We are in a Code Red alert for children and the poor in Iowa. Our most vulnerable citizens are being asked to bear the brunt of budget cuts and program eliminations in the President Bush's 2006 budget proposal. These changes are unjust, dangerous and will ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:35 AM

Code Red for Virginia's Children: Teleconference Briefing for VA Journalists on Bush's Proposed Budget and its Impact on Children

We are in a Code Red alert for children and the poor in Virginia. Our most vulnerable citizens are being asked to bear the brunt of budget cuts and program eliminations in the President Bush's 2006 budget proposal. These changes are unjust, dangerous ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:35 AM

Jackson Opening Statements Set to Begin (AP)

AP - Jury selection in Michael Jackson's child molestation trial wrapped up Thursday after eight alternate jurors were chosen, setting the stage for opening statements to begin next week. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:34 AM

Report Faults Bush Initiative on Education

State Legislators Offer Forumula for Improving No Child Left Behind

A bipartisan panel of lawmakers called No Child Left Behind a convoluted and unconstitutional initiative that has usurped local control of public schools. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:34 AM

February 24, 2005

State Legislators Offer Formula for Improving No Child Left Behind Act

Granting states flexibility to meet the goals of the No Child Left Behind Act will result in stronger democracy and strengthen the nation's economic future, according to a bipartisan review of the law.

A special task force of the National Conference of State Legislatures today released the results of a 10-month study that identified specific areas of the act that need to be changed if states are to guarantee that young people will learn at their full potential.

Posted by Michael at 5:27 PM

FTCR: CA Voters Prefer the Ballot Box for Health Care Reform

A new poll released today shows that California voters, concerned about the high cost of health care and the inability of the legislature and the governor to adopt meaningful solutions, prefer to make health care policy decisions themselves at the ballot box. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:26 AM

Health Costs Will Keep Rising, U.S. Says, Along With Government Share

From NYT > Health:

The Bush administration predicted that government would account for nearly half of all the nation's health care spending by 2014. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:23 AM

Model in Utah May Be Future for Medicaid

From NYT > Health:

Michael O. Leavitt, who is now leading a drive to change how Medicaid works, often points to Utah as an illuminating example that other states might consider. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:23 AM

Is There a Way for Low-Income Families to Break Cycle of Poverty? NM Project Featured in National Campaign Provides Hope for Many

In 1997, five Mexican- American women in Columbus, New Mexico, formed Mujeres en Progreso (Women Moving Forward). They had a vision of providing safe childcare for farmworker families. With grit and determination, what started as in-home babysitting back then ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:19 AM

EPA Awards Grant to Cleveland Public Schools

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a $50,000 grant to Cleveland Public Schools to cut diesel emissions from school buses and protect children from breathing unhealthy air. The grant will be used to install pollution control devices on seven ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:19 AM

Boys, Girls Are Faring Equally, Study Finds (washingtonpost.com)

OMB Watch - Negative Reactions to Budget Come from Both Sides of the Aisle

washingtonpost.com - Contradicting both sides in the long-running debate on whether boys or girls have it better in America, the most comprehensive examination of the overall well-being of male and female children has found that the sexes are faring about equally. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:18 AM

February 23, 2005

Negative Reactions to Budget Come from Both Sides of the Aisle

President Bush's release of his budget proposal on Feb. 7 confirmed widespread speculation that its contents would prove unfavorable for a number of important agencies and social programs. The president stated many times in the weeks leading up to the budget release that his proposal for fiscal year 2006 (FY 06) would be "tough." In a bold effort to cut our national deficit in half - the same deficit which is mostly the result of his costly tax policies - Bush proposed slicing and dicing funding for many domestic programs, which would result in the termination of some.

Posted by Michael at 11:34 AM

Where Would The Cuts Be Made Under The President's Budget?

The Bush Administration's budget calls for substantial reductions in a wide range of �domestic discretionary programs. These are the programs funded by annual appropriations, except for programs related to the Department of Defense, homeland security, or international affairs. The budget calls for $214 billion in reductions over five years in these programs, compared to current funding levels adjusted only for inflation. These programs encompass a broad array of public services such as education, environmental protection, transportation, veterans' health care, medical research, law enforcement, and food and drug safety inspection. Many of these programs provide funding to states and localities and are essential to the services that states provide to their residents, as well as to the soundness of state budgets.
Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:25 AM

Alternative Alternative Minimum Tax Reform

Like a gathering storm, the full force of the AMT is scheduled to intensify with time. Almost every elected official pledges to do something about the AMT, but just not now since any reform would have substantial costs in foregone revenues. In this note we discuss a politically palatable option: addressing each item in the AMT individually and adjusting the regular tax accordingly. Simply put, Congress would decide on the treatment of an item of income or preference once and only once for the regular tax only. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:23 AM

The Lukewarm 2004 Labor Market: Despite Some Signs of Improvement,

The labor market showed some signs of improvement in 2004; most notable in this regard was the job growth that occurred in every month of the year. This was the first year of consistent job growth since 2000, signaling the end of the jobless recovery. The unemployment rate also showed improvement, falling from an average of 6.0 percent in 2003 to an average of 5.5 percent for last year. On the other hand, several other indicators and comparisons depict a labor market that remains distinctly weak.
Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:19 AM

102 High School Seniors to Attend Al Neuharth Free Spirit Scholarship and Conference Program

One hundred two high school students from across the U.S. who are interested in pursuing a career in journalism and have qualities of "free spirit" have been selected to participate in the annual Al Neuharth Free Spirit Scholarship and Conference ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:17 AM

More high school seniors working their way through school (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - A new study suggests more high school seniors have jobs and many are working more than 15 hours per week. The research didn't ask why the students worked, but one researcher said "consumption seems to be a probable cause." Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:16 AM

Governors Seek Rise in High School Standards

From NYT > National:

Citing the paltry skills of many high school graduates, governors are calling for more rigorous standards and harder exams than states have already imposed. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:14 AM

Study Finds Fewer, Smaller Differences in Quality of Life Between Boys and Girls

Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:09 AM

Recent arrivals better educated (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - Immigrants who came to the USA this decade are more educated than those who arrived in the late 1990s, Census Bureau data released today show. The data also indicate that the adult children of immigrants are exceeding their parents' income and educational levels. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:09 AM

February 22, 2005

Nutrition and Health Characteristics of Low-Income Populations

The five summaries in the Nutrition and Health Characteristics of Low-Income Populations series highlight key findings of the multi-volume Nutrition and Health Outcomes Study. The summaries examine the nutritional and health status of: Food Stamp Program (FSP) participants; Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants; school-age children; and older Americans

Posted by Michael at 11:04 AM

ChevronTexaco Contributes $600,000 to Support Bakersfield, Calif., Early Childhood Literacy Project

In an effort to improve literacy among children in Bakersfield, the Bakersfield City School District (BCSD) and California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) today announced that ChevronTexaco is contributing $600,000 to the "Preschool Literacy Project - Building Blocks to Reading Success."

Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:13 AM

Bush Budget Proposes Halt in Housing Aid for Disabled

The proposal is part of a 50 percent cut in the Bush administration's housing budget for people with disabilities. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:07 AM

Celebrities Speak Out Against National Plan to Test All 52 Million School Children for 'Disorders' Leading to Increased Child Drugging

Priscilla Presley, Danny Masterson, Sofia Milos, Catherine Bell, Chris Masterson and Jenna Elfman speak out against psychiatry's new federal plan to massively increase psychiatric drugging of schoolchildren, despite international warnings of drugs causing ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:06 AM

February 21, 2005

Investigation of Programs to Strengthen and Support Healthy Marriages

This report highlights key components of current marriage education programs, identifies opportunities and challenges for expanding services into other service delivery systems, and provides recommendations for evaluations of healthy marriage programs. Researchers conducted a total of 58 telephone discussions with program providers and visited five geographic areas with multiple programs. Findings consider aspects of service delivery settings, target groups served, program scope, funding mechanisms, and collaborative relationships between marriage programs and other service delivery organizations. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:38 AM

Panel to Advise Testing Babies for 29 Diseases

From NYT > Health:

An advisory group plans to recommend all newborns be screened for a host of medical conditions, but critics say the history of such testing is filled with cautionary tales. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:19 AM

State Consortium Emphasizes Accountability in State and Federal Workforce Programs with Blueprint for Simplified Reporting; Blueprint Provides Policy Leaders with Fewer, but More Meaningful Measures of Job Program Effectiveness

On Feb. 24, a consortium of states led by the State of Washington and including Florida, Texas, Michigan, Montana and Oregon, will present its plan to make the key measures of taxpayer investment in workforce development and related programs more truly reflect ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:18 AM

CDC Launches 'Learn the Signs. Act Early.' Campaign; Campaign Promotes Greater Awareness of Early Child Development Milestones

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with a coalition of national partners, today launched a public awareness campaign to help parents learn more about the importance of measuring their child's social and emotional progress ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:17 AM

Decatur, Ill. Attorneys Paid More Than $211,000 to Keep Mother's Children with Non-Parents; How Much Are Your Kids Worth?

According to an affidavit filed with the Court on Friday, Feb. 18, two Decatur, Ill. law firms have been paid over $211,000.00 in a bitter guardianship dispute between a mother and her sister. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:16 AM

February 18, 2005

The Lukewarm 2004 Labor Market

From Economic Policy Institute:

Despite some signs of improvement in last year's labor market, wages still fell, job growth lagged, and unemployment spells remained long. Read the full analysis in a new report co-released by EPI and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:50 AM

Removing earnings cap could fix Social Security shortfall

From Economic Policy Institute:

There are lots of ways to bridge the projected 75-year funding gap for Social Security that wouldn't require privatization. One would be to eliminate the cap on taxable income, which would almost completely close the funding gap projected even under the most pessimistic scenarios. For the facts at a glance, read this week's Snapshot. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:50 AM

Governors in Capital to Talk About Medicaid

From NYT > Health:

Congress, governors and the secretary of health and human services began negotiations on the future of Medicaid, hoping to control the program's costs. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:39 AM

Antidepressant Safety Debate May Include Adult Patients

From NYT > Health:

English and Canadian scientists are reporting findings from three new analyses of suicide risk in people over age 18 who have taken the medications. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:39 AM

Snowe Holds Hearing on Funding for Small Business Administration; Funding Level Must Sustain Small Business Growth, New Jobs; Assistance for Rural Small Businesses Must be Priority

Reviewing the Administration's budget request for the Small Business Administration today, U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, said she is deeply concerned about proposed cutbacks ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:38 AM

War Helps Recruit Terrorists, Hill Told (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - The insurgency in Iraq continues to baffle the U.S. military and intelligence communities, and the U.S. occupation has become a potent recruiting tool for al Qaeda and other terrorist groups, top U.S. national security officials told Congress yesterday. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:37 AM

Man Arrested and Displayed Was Innocent, Didn't Owe Child Support, According to Report, Says KRightsRadio

On 2/13/05, as part of a "deadbeat parent crackdown," Sheriff Joe Arpaio's officials arrested 44 mothers and fathers who were taken to the Phoenix Park Central Mall and "...paraded before the media before being processed and booked," according ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:37 AM

No Child Left Behind Reforms Subject of NCSL Press Conference

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) will hold a press conference on Wednesday, Feb. 23 to release a series of recommendations for changes to the No Child Left Behind Act. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:36 AM

Stop Child Labor at Wal-Mart Now Says the United Food and Commercial Workers Union and the Child Labor Coalition

Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:36 AM

February 17, 2005

CA State and County Educational Data

The Institute for the Study of Homelessness and Poverty (http://www.weingart.org/institute/) highlights a new Website published by the California Department of Education.

The Dataquest Website is a pathway to state, county, district and school level education data. Reports can be produced about School Performance (Academic Performance Index, Adequate Yearly Progress, Title III Accountability); Test Scores (High School Exit Exam, English Language, Physical Fitness, SAT, ACT, STAR); Student Demographics (Dropouts, Enrollment, English Learners, Graduates, Special Education); School Staffing; Student Misconduct; Subject Area/Courses; and Technology Use.

Custom reports can also be generated.

DataQuest

Posted by Michael at 9:29 AM

February 16, 2005

Summary of Final Regulations Implementing the New Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit

From The Kaiser Family Foundation:

This document summarizing the final regulations to implement the new Medicare prescription drug benefit provides an overview that allows interested parties to obtain information about specific provisions of the law. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:07 PM

Effects of Recent Tax Cuts on Marginal Tax Rates

The tax fact shows how the 2001 and 2003 tax acts changed marginal tax rates for taxpayers in different income groups. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:00 PM

Utah Bill Mounts Challenge to Federal Education Law

From NYT > National:

The Utah House of Representatives approved a bill requiring state officials to give higher priority to local educational goals than to those of the federal law. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:47 AM

Keeping Families Together Act Re-Introduced; Advocates Say Congress Must Act This Year to End Custody Relinquishment for Mental Health Services

Lawmakers today will reintroduce legislation to address barriers that have led thousands of families to relinquish custody of children with mental or emotional disorders to access scarce mental health services.

Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:46 AM

Senators Question Adequacy of Bush Budget for Veterans

Senators of both parties said that President Bush's budget for veterans' health care would not provide enough money to maintain services at current levels. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:44 AM

H.I.V. Strain Adds Urgency to Changes in City AIDS Program

From NYT > Health:

New York's health department is reorganizing its AIDS program to encourage more aggressive collection of information about the disease. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:43 AM

CBPP Briefing: Program Changes, Budget Pressures Point to Big Cuts in 'Section 8' Housing Voucher Program

WHAT: Program Changes, Budget Pressures Point to Big Cuts in "Section 8" Housing Voucher Program. New Analysis of FY 2006-2010 Budget Includes Local Data Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:42 AM

After Rebuilding Iraq, American Indians Face Worse Conditions BackHome; Indian Housing Leader Testifies to Congress on Budget Cuts -- NAIHC's 11th Annual Legislative Conference Feb.16

WHAT: More American Indians have proportionately served in the military than any other ethnic group, but does the government honor their commitment when they return? Two American Indian Veterans, who fought and helped rebuild Iraq, will discuss returning ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:42 AM

February 15, 2005

League's Democracy Agenda is Top Priority; Organization Sets Course to Strengthen America through Public Education, Advocacy

The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) today announced a Democracy Agenda to guide the organization's work. Launched on the 85th anniversary of the League's founding, it is an advocacy and public education effort to strengthen and renew the ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:28 AM

Education saving options available, no matter what your age

From Christian Science Monitor | Work/Money:

Our personal-finance expert tracks down the answers you need. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:27 AM

A Public Health Quandary: When Should the Public Be Told?

From NYT > Health:

Doctors and public health officials must weigh the benefits of knowledge against the risk of alarm. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:23 AM

How to Get Those at Risk to Avoid Risky Sex?

From NYT > Health:

The AIDS case that alarmed health officials in New York last week illustrates the enormous difficulty of promoting and sustaining changes in sexual behavior. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:23 AM

Lifeline Therapeutics, Inc., Funds Its 15th Home for Orphans; Denver Anti-Aging Company Continues to Act on Its Pledge to Care for World's Neediest Children

Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:20 AM

Kids' Groups Oppose Federal Budget Slashing Children's Health, Child Care, Foster Care, Children's Nutrition

A broad network of national and state child advocacy and policy groups has formed to oppose cuts in vital kids' programs in the federal budget. Proposed budget cuts will mean millions of children will lose services in Health Care, HeadStart, Child Care, Nutrition/Food Stamps and Foster Care.

Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:20 AM

Good Catholic Girls: How Women Are Leading the Fight to Change the Church

The following was released today by Harper Collins Publishers on Angela Bonavoglia's new book "Good Catholic Girls": Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:19 AM

UFCW: Wal-Mart Uses Children for Hazardous Jobs in U.S. Stores; Retail Giant Gets Sweetheart Deal on Child Labor Violations

Following is a statement of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union: Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:19 AM

Learn English, Judge Tells Moms (Los Angeles Times)

schipdental.pdf (application/pdf Object)

Los Angeles Times - LEBANON, Tenn. — A judge hearing child abuse and neglect cases in Tennessee has given an unusual instruction to some immigrant mothers who have come before him: Learn English, or else. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:18 AM

February 14, 2005

SCHIP Takes a Bite Out of the Dental Access Gap for Low-Income Children

The introduction of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in 1997
created a new vehicle for extending dental coverage to low-income children.1
Historically, low-income children have had difficulty accessing dental services.
Children in low-income families are less likely to have private coverage than children in
higher-income families, may face institutional barriers to dental care if eligible for Medicaid,
and often lack dental insurance completely (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
2000a). The decision by nearly every state to offer a dental benefit under SCHIP has
improved the chances that low-income children who were previously uninsured have access
to dental care.

Posted by Michael at 10:40 AM

President Bush's FY 06 Budget: An OMB Watch Overview

OMB Watch - President Bush’s FY 06 Budget: An Overview

President Bush sent his proposed Fiscal Year 2006 (FY 06) budget to Congress on Monday, Feb. 7, in a package that is one of the most special-interest-driven budgets presented in a very long time. The new budget calls for a large transfer of benefits to corporate special interests and the most well-off through additional tax cuts, regulatory and litigation “reforms,” and other measures that weaken public safeguards and government in general. At the same time, the president proposes cutting programs serving low- and middle-income Americans. The budget calls for a trade-off that is both unfair and unwise

Posted by Michael at 12:27 AM

February 11, 2005

A Portrait of Nonprofits Serving Children in the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area: Fast Facts Series, No. 2

The accessibility of nonprofit services is a key factor in promoting effective service delivery networks for children and youth. In the D.C. metro area, little was known about the location of nonprofit providers in relation to the residential patterns of children, particularly from low-income families. This document, which is the second in a series of "fast facts" on child-related nonprofits in the D.C. region, summarizes the major findings of the report entitled, "Spatial Connections: Examining the Location of Children and the Nonprofits That Serve Them in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area." The research finds a significant relationship between the locational patterns of child and youth nonprofits, particularly social welfare organizations, and high rates of child poverty in neighborhoods in the region. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 3:58 PM

Individual Income Tax Refunds

Income tax refunds have recently grown markedly. This Tax Fact documents the growth and current magnitude of income tax refunds. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 3:58 PM

National League of Cities, NBC-LEO Protest Budget Cuts to Major Economic Development Programs

Representatives from the National League of Cities (NLC) and National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) today denounced proposed cuts to key federal programs that allow cities and towns to boost economic development in their communities while ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 3:27 PM

ACORN Members Denounce Bush's Budget

On Monday, February 7, when President Bush released his FY 2006 Budget Proposal low and moderate income people directly impacted by proposed cuts spoke out. ACORN Members from 75 cities across the United States expressed their opposition to the cuts that ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 3:27 PM

February 10, 2005

Key Foundation Resources on the Health Related Proposals of the President's FY2006 Budget

From The Kaiser Family Foundation:

The Kaiser Family Foundation has some resources to help examine the health care priorities detailed in the President's FY2006 budget proposal. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:17 AM

Experts Urge Routine HIV Tests for All (AP)

AP - Urging a major shift in U.S. policy, some health experts are recommending that virtually all Americans be tested routinely for the AIDS virus, much as they are for cancer and other diseases. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:50 AM

New White House Estimate Lifts Drug Benefit Cost to $720 Billion

From NYT > Health:

The figure, which provides the first glimpse of the true cost of the Medicare drug benefit, could touch off a political uproar. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:49 AM

American Indian, Corporate, Federal Leaders Pledge Commitment to Native Enterprise Development; Annual Awards Delivered

The second day of "Reservation Economic Summit (RES) 2005" was marked by an outpouring of support for Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-owned businesses from top leaders in Indian Country -- including First Lady of the Navajo Nation ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:46 AM

Bleak Math of Killings Clouds Baltimore's Anti-Crime Effort (Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Times - BALTIMORE — It has been a bleak winter in the housing projects and row houses where Baltimore's narcotics dealers dispense crack and heroin like fast-food orders. Warring factions are killing rivals at a relentless clip. The bodies have mounted at a rate of almost one a day over the last month. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:46 AM

Healthcare Costs Take Big Bite From Economy (Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Times - WASHINGTON — Increased spending for healthcare is gobbling up about one-quarter of the growth in the economy, and health-related items now amount to more than three times the defense budget and twice what the nation devotes to education, a report released today concludes. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:45 AM

High Levels of Airborne Mouse Allergen in Inner-City Homes Could Trigger Asthma Attacks; Researchers Call for Routine Mouse Allergy Testing for Inner-City Children With Asthma

Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:44 AM

Too Late for Katie, Town Tackles a Drug's Scourge

From NYT > National:

The death of a girl and the arrest of an unemployed high school dropout have shaken a small Indiana town out of silence about the scourge of methamphetamine. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:43 AM

February 9, 2005

The Health and Well-Being of Young Children of Immigrants

National Women's Law Center

There are 5.1 million young children of immigrants, representing 22 percent of all U.S. children under age 6. While 93 percent of these children are U.S.-born citizens, 29 percent have undocumented parents. Young children of immigrants with two parents are three times as likely to be poor as children of natives, and so marriage is not an antidote to poverty for these children. Despite higher economic hardship, young children of immigrants are less likely than native counterparts to receive TANF, food stamps, or housing assistance. They are also less likely to be in center-based child care, potentially limiting their preparation for schooling. [View the corresponding Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:54 AM

Real wages fall in 2004, weakest jobs recovery on record continues

From Economic Policy Institute:

For a full analysis of the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data, read EPI's Jobs Picture for a better understanding of what happened to the labor market in January or check out EPI's JobWatch.org to track job and wage trends over the course of the recession and lackluster recovery. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:33 AM

February 8, 2005

Budget Continues Trend of Misplaced Priorities

President Bush released his fiscal year 2006 budget yesterday, proposing harsh cuts in domestic programs outside of homeland security. Consistent with the policy of the last four budgets offered by this Administration, the President proposes a slew of new tax cuts that would primarily benefit the wealthiest Americans, including a $1 trillion proposal to make permanent the tax cuts passed in 2001 and 2003.

Posted by Michael at 4:26 PM

State Legislators Group Commends Bush Administration for Focusing Education Resources on Students' Needs; Budget Plan Increases State Flexibility

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) commends the U.S. Department of Education's proposed 2006 budget, unveiled yesterday by President Bush. The plan will expand flexibility by allowing local school districts to utilize their federal funds in ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:45 PM

Is French Preschool Right for America? New Report Raises Questions about Government Plans for Preschool

In a report released today on early education programs, Goldwater Institute president Darcy Olsen shows that U.S. elementary students outperform their international peers in reading, math, and science. The findings call into question the advisability of Arizona ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:45 PM

President Putting 'Big' Back in Government (Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Times - WASHINGTON — Even as President Bush proposes significant cuts in healthcare, farm subsidies and other domestic programs, his new budget makes one thing clear about the legacy of his first term in the White House: The era of big government is back. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:40 PM

Congress Unlikely to Embrace Bush Wish List (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - With his 2006 budget, President Bush delivered Congress a tall order, asking for at least six significant governmental reorganizations and an unprecedented five-year freeze in domestic spending to get control of the federal budget deficit. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:39 PM

Communities Nationwide Come Together to Change the Face of Philanthropy; New Report Finds Women Are Leaders in New Form of Giving

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Posted by Michael at 12:38 PM

Housing Market to Post Near-Record Levels in 2005 -- NAR

Home sales will be down from the high-water marks set in 2004 but are expected see the second-best year on record in 2005, according to the National Association of Realtors(r) (NAR). Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:38 PM

State Partners With National Foster Care Organization to Address Racial Disparities in Texas Child Welfare System; African-American Children Over-Represented in Foster Care Experts Say

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Posted by Michael at 12:36 PM

Book Aids Families of Children With HIV

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Posted by Michael at 12:35 PM

Young Children of Immigrants in Two-Parent Families Have Triple the Poverty Rate of Children With U.S.-Born Parents

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Posted by Michael at 12:35 PM

First Lady Laura Bush Visits Baltimore, Md., School Where American Institutes for Research is Conducting Program to Reduce Adolescent Violence

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Posted by Michael at 12:35 PM

New Report: Bush Shortchanges Children; Bush Budget Slashes Education Funding to Pay for More Tax Breaks for Millionaires, Says Campaign for America's Future

The Institute for America's Future released a report today analyzing the cuts and funding freezes found in President Bush's new spending plan sent to Congress this week. The report shows that President Bush's 2006 budget fails to adequately fund essential ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:34 PM

Former Priest Found Guilty of Child Rape (Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Times - CAMBRIDGE, Mass .— A jury Monday found defrocked priest Paul Shanley guilty of repeatedly raping a young boy at a Boston-area church during the 1980s. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:34 PM

'Significant' Sentence Sought for Shanley (AP)

AP - It took nearly four decades after Paul Shanley was first accused of molesting children for him to be brought to trial. Now, at the age of 74, the defrocked priest could spend what remains of his life in prison. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:33 PM

State Corrections Statistics

From: The National Institute of Corrections.

Detailed statistics covering crime, population, incarceration, and community corrections.

See how your state compares to other states and the national average.

Corrections Statistics by State An interactive map of state level statistics and charts showing national rankings.

View all topical pages available on the NIC web site.

Interested in What's Happening with Felony Disenfranchisement Laws?

How Does it Relate to Reentry Successes?

What information can I find online or request from NIC?

Where can I find corrections statistics for my state?

Posted by Michael at 7:23 AM

February 7, 2005

Background Report on the Use and Impact of Food Assistance Programs on Indian Reservations

This report, prepared for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, reviews existing data sources and prior research on six programs operated by the Department that provide food assistance to American Indians living on or near reservations. The purpose of the review is to help identify future research needs and opportunities to exploit administrative data systems and recurring national surveys. The programs covered are the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), the Food Stamp Program (FSP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Research topics of continuing importance include the impacts of reservation food assistance on health and nutrition, the characteristics that make nutrition education effective on reservations, the dynamics of program participation, and the contribution of tribal administration to program coordination. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 10:00 AM

Understanding Expenditure Patterns in Retirement

Understanding the consumption needs of retirees is critical to assessing the adequacy of retirement income and the possible impact of Social Security reform on older Americans. This study uses data from the Health and Retirement Study, including a supplemental expenditure survey, to analyze spending patterns and consumption needs for adults ages 65 and older. Typical older married adults spend 84 percent of after-tax household income, and nonmarried adults spend 92 percent of after-tax income. Even at older ages individuals devote a larger share of expenditures and income to housing than any other category of goods and services, including health care. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:59 AM

Credit Where It's Due - Urban Parks

Urban parks have long played a vital role in community- based programs for young people. Their traditional role has been to provide venues for play--open spaces, playgrounds, sports fields, and recreational programs. But parks can go much further than simply providing opportunities for recreation. The author provides examples of where urban parks can contribute to the fight against crime, childhood obesity, or run-down neighborhoods. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:54 AM

Future Medicaid Growth Is Not Due to Flaws in the Program's Design, But to Demographic Trends and General Increases in Health Care Costs

2/4/05 Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:51 AM

Appropriations Shortfall Cuts Funding For 80,000 Housing Vouchers This Year: Congress Rejected Deeper Reduction Sought By Administration

Barbara Sard and Peter Lawrence Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 9:51 AM

Two Tax Cuts That Benefit Only High-Income Households -Primarily Millionaires - Slated To Start Taking Effect In 2006: Will These Tax Cuts Be Implemented While Basic Programs For The Working Poor And Other Families Are Cut?

The President’s budget contains reductions in an array of domestic programs, including programs in the education, health care, housing, veterans, and various other areas. The budget debate now moves to Capitol Hill. There has been no discussion, however, in the Administration or Congress of another potential way to reduce projected deficits — canceling or deferring two significant tax cuts enacted in 2001 that have not even yet started to take effect and that will benefit only households with high incomes.
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Posted by Michael at 9:50 AM

February 4, 2005

Cuts to Low-Income Programs May Far Exceed the Contribution of These Programs to Deficit's Return

There is a distinct possibility that efforts to reduce the deficit this year will take a large and disproportionate bite out of programs that provide key supports and services to low-income Americans. This analysis explains that because substantial parts of the budget, including revenues, are expected to be largely or entirely “off the table” when deficit reduction plans are drawn up — and also because low-income programs tend to lack the political support of other programs with more powerful constituencies — a very large share of the budget reductions enacted this year may consist of cuts in programs for low-income families and individuals.Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:24 AM

www.WithWomen.org Launches Wristband Campaign, Women's Health Advocacy Website; Midwives to Promote Women's Health Awareness

Raising awareness about women's health concerns will be the focus of a public awareness campaign launched today by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), the nation's oldest women's health organization. Under the banner 'WithWomen(tm)' on its new ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:19 AM

Bush Officials Spell Out Cuts in Money for Housing

Facing the prospect of record deficits, Bush administration officials laid out proposals for deep cuts in spending on housing and community development. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:17 AM

Leading Child Policy Organization Responds to State of the Union Address; Releases New Data on Reality of Child Poverty; Security Tops President's Priorities, But Not Economic Security for Vulnerable Children

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Posted by Michael at 12:16 AM

Teenagers Find Information About Sex on the Internet When They Look for It - And When They Don't, UCLA's Children's Digital Media Center Reports

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Posted by Michael at 12:16 AM

February 3, 2005

Nonprofit Child and Youth Service Providers Showed Signs of Fiscal Stress before 9/11

Community-based nonprofits play important and tangible roles in the lives of children in the United States. But many of these groups currently face financial and administrative challenges that are rooted in the economic downturn, policy shifts, and the increase in public reticence toward charities that followed the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. This brief uses the D.C. metropolitan region as a case study to assess the fiscal health of nonprofits in 2000, and finds that many providers were poorly positioned financially to absorb the social and economic shocks that followed the events of 9/11. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:48 AM

NJIT expert recommends 16 easy, affordable ways to make homes safer for people with disabilities

Environmental psychologist Richard Olsen, PhD, a research professor at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), has developed 16 easy and affordable ways people can make their homes safer and more comfortable. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:25 AM

Smoking Hurts Wealth as Well as Health, Study Suggests

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Posted by Michael at 12:24 AM

President Neglects Community Needs in State of the Union, NAHRO Says

Following is a statement of Saul N. Ramirez Jr., executive director of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, on the State of the Union: Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:19 AM

February 2, 2005

Administration Expected To Propose New Budget Rule That Could Adversely Affect Social Security, Medicare, SSI, Veterans' Disability, And Other Programs

The Administration’s forthcoming budget is likely to propose a new budget rule that would affect Social Security, Medicare, veterans’ disability compensation, the Supplemental Security Income program for the elderly and disabled poor, health and retirement programs for federal civilian and military personnel, and ultimately Medicaid and some other entitlements. The new rule was proposed in the Administration’s budget last year but was not considered by Congress. It is expected to be proposed again this year and may receive significant Congressional consideration this time around.

Robert Greenstein and Richard Kogan Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 1:05 AM

Women Still Treated Less for Heart Disease (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Women remain far less likely than men to get basic medical care that could significantly reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes, leaving thousands unnecessarily vulnerable to the nation's leading cause of death, researchers reported yesterday. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:43 AM

Health Secretary Calls for Medicaid Changes

From NYT > Health:

Michael O. Leavitt, the secretary of health and human services, called Tuesday for sweeping changes in Medicaid. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:41 AM

Stanford Business School Offers New Executive Program for Philanthropy Leaders

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Posted by Michael at 12:39 AM

Study says supportive relationships more protective against major depression for women

Virginia Commonwealth University researchers have found that women who feel more loved and supported by their friends, relatives and children are less at risk for major depression than men, suggesting important gender differences in the pathways leading to depression. In the February issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry, the VCU researchers report that among approximately 1,000 adult, opposite-sex, fraternal twin pairs, the female twins reported significantly higher levels of global social support than their twin brothers. National Institutes of Health Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:37 AM

Illness and medical bills cause half of all bankruptcies

Medical problems contributed to about half of all bankruptcies, involving 700,000 households in 2001, according to a story published as a Web exclusive by the journal Health Affairs. Families with children were especially hard hit-about 700,000 children lived in families that declared bankruptcy in the aftermath of serious medical problems. Another 600,000 spouses, elderly parents and other dependents brought the total number of people directly affected by medical bankruptcies to more than 2 million annually. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:37 AM

February 1, 2005

Medicaid and SCHIP Protected Insurance Coverage for Millions of Low-Income Americans

Leighton Ku, Matt Broaddus and Victoria Wachino Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:10 AM

Texas A&M Study Shows Abstinence Education Works: Students More Likely to Abstain

Opponents of truth and common sense are working hard to make abstinence education look bad. Unfortunately, it isn't working. Most recently, a study by Texas A & M University is drawing headlines across the state questioning the results of abstinence ... Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:07 AM

Women, drinking to their health

Women see a slightly higher health benefit over men from alcohol consumption according to twelve separate studies reviewed in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Read more from this post.

Posted by Michael at 12:04 AM

More homeless mentally ill than expected according to ucsd study: Interventions urged