poverty

Published
February 22, 2022

Commentary: Don’t ‘means test’ the child tax credit

‘Means tests’ restrict the availability of public assistance, by making people ‘prove’ they’re poor enough to deserve help.
Published
January 24, 2022

Extra cash for low-income mothers may influence baby brains

The findings build on evidence that cash support can improve outcomes for older children, said study co-author Katherine Magnuson.
Published
January 21, 2022

Maine Voices: It’s time to work together to strengthen families, keep children safe

Supporting parents to prevent maltreatment is key to decreasing the need for child protective services in Maine.
Published
January 2, 2022

Maine lawmakers study direct cash payments as anti-poverty tool

Bipartisan support exists for a 2019 basic income proposal that would supplement the safety net for Mainers in need.
Published
December 31, 2021

Commentary: Which senator can save Biden’s agenda? It’s not who you think

Mitt Romney’s Family Security Act could meet the president’s priorities and attract enough Republican votes to pass.
Published
December 22, 2021

Our View: Cutting tax credit will push millions of kids back into poverty

Sen. Joe Manchin reportedly says the checks were wasted; actually, they went toward food, housing and other essentials.
Published
December 17, 2021

Maine Voices: State’s HOPE program helped me chart path to success

Thanks to Sara Gideon’s investment, more families like mine will have the support they need to pursue education and training beyond high school.
Published
November 28, 2021

Our View: Use Maine’s surplus to help those still hurting

The state still has more work to do to repair the damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic aftershocks.
Published
November 24, 2021

Leonard Pitts: His selfless act raises larger issues – why do we let people go hungry in this country?

How can we ensure that someone who needs food is fed not just today but also every day?
Published
November 23, 2021

Commentary: A bold new model for climate action

We can move toward our climate goals while empowering communities to build a healthy, thriving future based on their own priorities.