Low-income families in South Dakota are struggling. They are struggling to find jobs that pay a living wage. They are struggling to pay rising utility, housing, and health care costs. And, they are struggling with the basic task of putting food on their tables. This study, the first of its kind, examines the food securityContinue reading “Hunger In South Dakota: And What State Leaders Can Do About It”
Author Archives: Alliance for a Just Society
Setting the Tone for Health Care Cuts: Governor Martz and Montana’s Public Health Care Redesign
In July 2003, Montana Governor Judy Martz appointed the state’s Public Health Care Advisory Council, kicking off a health care redesign process that could affect the health and well-being of all Montanans. The advisory council is working with the Montana Department of Health and Human Services on recommendations to the 2005 Legislature regarding Medicaid, theContinue reading “Setting the Tone for Health Care Cuts: Governor Martz and Montana’s Public Health Care Redesign”
Confronting Barriers: Stories of Oregon Food Stamp Applicants
Many Oregon residents have lost access to public programs because of recent deep budget cuts, including major cuts to public health care programs. The Food Stamp Program is increasingly important as many Oregon families face difficult times and increased medical costs. In this report, several food stamp applicants describe their experiences and the barriers theyContinue reading “Confronting Barriers: Stories of Oregon Food Stamp Applicants”
Pull the Plug on Idaho Power’s Rate Increase: Idaho Families Need Rate Relief, Not Rate Hikes
In October 2003, Idaho Power filed a rate increase application with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Idaho Power’s request, as the PUC staff determined, is a gross overestimate of its actual needs – over $70 million more than Idaho Power could justify! Idaho families are struggling to make ends meet and pay power billsContinue reading “Pull the Plug on Idaho Power’s Rate Increase: Idaho Families Need Rate Relief, Not Rate Hikes”
Not Even Pennywise: Premiums Will Harm Washington’s Children, Economy
Despite the enormous benefits Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide to Washington State’s families and economy, the Legislature is considering charging premiums to many children in these programs. The proposed premiums will wreck havoc on the lives of vulnerable children, cost the state more in the long run, and harm Washington’s economy.Continue reading “Not Even Pennywise: Premiums Will Harm Washington’s Children, Economy”
Keep the Heat On: Idaho Utility Regulations Threaten the Health and Safety of Idaho Families
Economic conditions in Idaho are squeezing low-income families from every direction. Unemployment continues to rise and many of Idaho’s families live in poverty. The rates of personal bankruptcy and lack of health insurance are also increasing. Skyrocketing energy costs are an unbearable burden when added to these economic realities. Energy consumers who turn to theContinue reading “Keep the Heat On: Idaho Utility Regulations Threaten the Health and Safety of Idaho Families”
Not Our Job: Employers Abandon Health Care Coverage, Leaving Washington Families and the State with the Bill
As large businesses cut health benefits or shift costs to employees, more and more workers must forego coverage. Employment is losing its status as the gateway to health care for working families, who must use publicly funded coverage or go without entirely. When employers leave their workers – especially low-wage employees – without coverage, theyContinue reading “Not Our Job: Employers Abandon Health Care Coverage, Leaving Washington Families and the State with the Bill”
Washington Lags Behind Other States in Corporate Disclosure and Accountability
States spend billions of dollars every year on tax breaks for businesses. A growing number of states require companies to disclose certain information on the tax breaks they have received. Disclosure allows states to evaluate the costs and benefits of tax breaks. States can monitor tax breaks by looking at job creation levels, job retention,Continue reading “Washington Lags Behind Other States in Corporate Disclosure and Accountability”
Don’t Lien on Me: Why the State’s Medical Indigency Care Program is Unhealthy for Idahoans
Health insurance is the most important vehicle for gaining access to health care services. It makes a substantial difference in the type of services people are able to obtain. The consequences for people without health insurance are serious: one study found that the uninsured are almost six times more likely than the insured to haveContinue reading “Don’t Lien on Me: Why the State’s Medical Indigency Care Program is Unhealthy for Idahoans”
End the Costly R&D Tax Breaks: Invest in Washington’s Families
In 1994, Washington State enacted the Business and Occupation (B&O) tax credit for Research and Development (R&D) and the sales tax deferral for R&D to, among other reasons, stimulate the economy and increase competitiveness in high technology. After nine years and extensive review by the Department of Revenue, it is clear that these tax incentivesContinue reading “End the Costly R&D Tax Breaks: Invest in Washington’s Families”