Why Is It So Controversial to Help Poor Mothers Afford Diapers? Why Is It So Controversial to Help Poor Mothers Afford Diapers?
A new bill would let families on welfare afford this basic necessity. What’s wrong with that?
Aug 13, 2014 / Blog / Bryce Covert
Little Boxes Little Boxes
Micro-apartments have become trendy in planning circles, but their austerity is just another limit on the aspirations of the poor.
Jul 29, 2014 / Books & the Arts / Michael Sorkin
Paul Ryan Has Some Big (Mostly Bad) Ideas for America’s Working Poor Paul Ryan Has Some Big (Mostly Bad) Ideas for America’s Working Poor
But at least his idea for expanding the EITC is a good one.
Jul 25, 2014 / The Christie Watch / Bob and Barbara Dreyfuss
We’re Arresting Poor Mothers for Our Own Failures We’re Arresting Poor Mothers for Our Own Failures
Mothers like Shanesha Taylor and Debra Harrell are caught in a childcare Catch-22 that we made for them.
Jul 22, 2014 / Blog / Bryce Covert
Democrats Embrace the Good Kind of ‘Entitlement Reform’ Democrats Embrace the Good Kind of ‘Entitlement Reform’
As deceptive right-wing attacks on Social Security continue, some Democrats have gone on the offensive—seeking to expand rather than cut the vital program.
Jul 17, 2014 / Blog / William Greider
How to Fight Economic Inequality—Right Now How to Fight Economic Inequality—Right Now
A new initiative aims to put wages at the heart of the inequality debate.
Jun 4, 2014 / Blog / Zoë Carpenter
Can New York City’s Welfare System Be Saved? Can New York City’s Welfare System Be Saved?
By forcing people on welfare to trade personal dignity for social entitlements, the system seeks to shrink public spending at an unconscionable moral cost.
May 29, 2014 / Blog / Michelle Chen
Single Moms Take Note: California Considers Raising the Minimum Wage to $13 Single Moms Take Note: California Considers Raising the Minimum Wage to $13
A new study says the change could save lives and improve health statewide—good news for the 40 percent of poor households led by single women.
May 23, 2014 / Blog / Dani McClain
What White Privilege Looks Like When You’re Poor What White Privilege Looks Like When You’re Poor
A new bill proposed by the House Appropriations Committee focuses on tackling rural, not urban, hunger thereby focusing efforts on poor whites rather than people of color.
May 22, 2014 / Blog / Mychal Denzel Smith
Doubling the Minimum Wage Is on the Agenda in Seattle—and Nationally Doubling the Minimum Wage Is on the Agenda in Seattle—and Nationally
A big-city mayor proposes moving toward $15-an-hour. A movement builds.
May 2, 2014 / Blog / John Nichols