Too many Idahoans are not making a living wage. Many families are supported by workers in minimum wage jobs. The minimum wage today, $5.15 an hour, is at its lowest real value since 1956. Today’s minimum wage is less than half a living wage for a single person, and less than a quarter of theContinue reading “Why Idaho Should Raise the Minimum Wage”
Author Archives: Alliance for a Just Society
In Search of Quality Care: Low-Income Seniors Left Behind
This report analyzes nursing facilities in Washington and answers the question of whether facilities are put at a financial disadvantage by serving families who cannot afford to pay high out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, this report investigates the way Medicaid reimbursement rates are set and the effect private paying residents have on those rates.
A Forgotten Authority: The Washington Health Care Facilities Authority is Failing in Its Primary Purpose: To Make Quality Health Care Affordable for Washingtonians
This report analyzes the savings that nonprofit health care facilities receive due to financing through the WHCFA. Next, the report reviews what the various health care facilities that have borrowed money through the WHCFA claimed to have done with the savings. Finally, the report addresses what WHCFA has done to enforce the savings requirement.
2006 Northwest Health Gap Study: Quality Health Insurance Out of Reach for Small Businesses
The Health Gap Study involves a survey of nearly 400 small businesses in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington on their experiences in the health insurance market. It addresses issues of rising costs and declining quality of coverage, along with small businesspeople preferences for future reform.
Listening Sessions Report: A Community and Police Partnership to Eliminate Racial Profiling
This report reflects a unique collaboration between the Portland Police Bureau, Oregon Action, Northwest Federation of Community Organizations, the Center for Intercultural Organizing and the Northwest Constitutional Rights Center, who came together to create an opportunity for dialogue between community members and Portland police on the issue of racial profiling.
Medicaid Matters for Idaho’s County Economies
This report provides an overview of the contributions Medicaid makes to the economy and the quality of life in Idaho. This analysis measures the economy-wide business activity, jobs, and income produced by Medicaid spending.
Don’t Waiver on Medicaid: Governor Kempthorne’s Proposal for Medicaid Puts Idaho at Risk
This report analyzes the Medicaid waiver proposed by the Governor and the Department of Health and Welfare. This report predicts that, for those who rely on Medicaid, the proposal will lead to increased costs, may restrict benefits, and is likely to cause many people to forgo needed medical care. The waiver is also likely toContinue reading “Don’t Waiver on Medicaid: Governor Kempthorne’s Proposal for Medicaid Puts Idaho at Risk”
In Our Own Words: Immigrants’ Experiences in the Northwest
Politicians and the media paint conflicting pictures of the influence of immigrants on our communities and the economy, and argue whether and how the nation should welcome or discourage immigration. As this debate grows louder, seldom heard are the voices of immigrants themselves. Download the report.
Protect Idaho Farmworkers from Harmful Pesticides
Farmworkers are a crucial part of Idaho’s economic success and integral to our communities. A lack of adequate protections in Idaho leaves farmworkers vulnerable to accidental pesticide exposure, which causes immediate and long-term health problems. Download the report.
Dollars Well Spent? The Need for Transparency in the Health Insurance Market
This report provides an overview of how health insurer practices such as “cherry picking” are largely overlooked by state regulators. These practices are harmful overall and generate costs to the health care system.