As our nation’s racial demographics change we must take steps to close the opportunity gap if we are to keep our economy strong and keep the American dream viable.
While the official poverty level can tell us how many low-income families and children are eligible for anti-poverty programs, it cannot tell us how many are lifted out of poverty by those same programs.
Legislative attempts to limit interest rates on payday loans are likely dead for another year. That gives predatory lenders 365 more days to charge an average of 350 percent on small-dollar loans.
Increasing the minimum wage, which would positively affect many workers, continues to be discussed during the current legislative session. But not all bills to raise the minimum wage are equal. Some are just plain wrong.