New report: CTC payments helped lower reliance on risky financial services
David Elliot,
May 12, 2022
For some time now, we’ve known about many of the ways expanded, monthly Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments helped families most in need. A new Brookings Institute report now informs us of other ways families with low incomes benefited. In short: they were less likely to pursue costly, alternative financial services such as payday loans, pawn shops, and even such measures as selling blood plasma in order to survive.
New report examines how babies, toddlers are faring in the pandemic
David Elliot,
May 6, 2022
The United States is home to 11.4 million babies who make up 3.4 percent of the nation’s population. How are they doing during the ongoing pandemic? A new report provides a rich set of answers to that question. The young children’s advocacy group ZERO TO THREE this week released its fourth annual State of Babies Yearbook that explores how babies are faring over a very wide range of indicators, and compares states’ policies toward their youngest residents.
CHN’s COVID-19 Watch: Tracking Hardship, May 6, 2022
CHN Staff,
May 6, 2022
The subvariants of subvariants edition. When the pandemic was declared in March 2020, scientists had one cause for optimism: the COVID-19 virus appeared to mutate slowly. That meant when a vaccine was developed, it might not need regular updating over time. However, now we are learning that scientists’ early optimism was misplaced. And each major variant that has emerged has proven to be more infectious than its predecessor – a pattern scientists have no reason to believe will end.
Why can’t a rich nation help its most needy?
CHN Staff,
May 2, 2022
I personally grew up in poverty and almost never had enough to eat. Sometimes my school lunch was the only thing I had to eat all day. While it still hurts to think about the times I had to ask, I am so grateful my classmates were willing to share their leftovers with me. I feel with my entire being for children who might not have friends with extra food – or access to free lunches.
Americans at risk: Nearly 18 million could lose health coverage by year’s end if Congress does not act
David Elliot,
April 29, 2022
Nearly 18 million Americans could lose health coverage while millions more will see sharp increases in the premiums they pay, as a number of pandemic-related provisions aimed at making health care both more affordable and accessible are set to expire.
