NEWS & OPINIONS
Georgia’s K-12 students fell months behind during remote learning. We need solutions now.
Georgia’s K-12 students fell months behind during remote learning. We need solutions now. Why it Matters: Students in Georgia are 4-6 months behind in learning Leaders have funding to support students and close the learning gap Parents voices need to be heard ...
Could inflation be a persistent problem for the foreseeable future?
The CPI is up over 7% over last 12 months Today, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that in December the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.5% on a seasonally adjusted basis. The CPI is up 7% over the last 12 months, not seasonally adjusted. That is the...
State can give parents options and support traditional public schools
Educational choice is saving the state money An updated analysis from EdChoice finds that Georgia's two educational choice programs—the Special Needs Scholarship Program and the Qualified Education Expense Tax credit—have saved Georgia taxpayers between $605 and...
Training Success at Open Door Community House
A focus on the contributions of the African American family BETTER WORK Columbus delivers Marketing Yourself training to clients of our non-profit partners upon request. This training gives students insight into the perspective of an employer and what matters to them...
My HOPE for individuals and families in 2022
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." — Margaret Mead As we reflect on 2021 and think about what we want for the new year ahead, I thought that it would be beneficial...
Finding Focus and Direction with Better Work
Finding Skilled and Teachable Talent BETTER WORK is helping our neighbors find better work opportunities in Columbus. We care about facilitating life transformation and not only an initial job connection. We want local families to thrive, become self-sufficient, and...
The Power of Community Connections
A belief in working together is key BETTER WORK Columbus is connected with groups and organizations across the Chattahoochee Valley. These groups include both the Chattahoochee Valley Poverty Reduction Coalition (CVPRC) and the Mayor’s Commission on Reentry. A...
Money Can’t Replace Meaning and Purpose
Work has intrinsic value Last month, I had the honor of participating in the Heritage Foundation’s annual Antipoverty Forum, where scholars and practitioners discussed the state of poverty in the country and the local efforts to confront the issue. The discussion this...
Partnerships and Building Blocks Come Together in Columbus
Building a stronger network of resources On November 4th, BETTER WORK Columbus hosted a reception to announce a new partnership with Jobs for Life to bring its proven curriculum and a nationally recognized program to help struggling people find meaningful,...
New report details the economic devastation of COVID-19 shutdowns in the 50 states
GCO’s study compares each state’s response to the pandemic and measures the impact it had on local communities and their ability to work.
BETTER Work Network is Growing in Columbus
A Network of Partners is Growing in Columbus Columbus, Georgia has over 11,000 citizens identifying as unemployed, but the number of available jobs is over 6,000. What's the problem? Why are so many people not working? Kristin Barker serves as the program manager for...
#GivingTuesday 2021
Giving Opportunity The days following Thanksgiving have become jam packed with advertisements for all the product sales happening after the holiday. The volume of advertisements often becomes overwhelming and obnoxious. As we reflect on all we have accomplished this...
MEDIA MENTIONS
Bill to reopen Louisville’s juvenile detention center moves ahead, but some voice concerns
A bill that would reopen Louisville's juvenile detention center amid an influx of crimes committed by young people cleared its first committee hearing Wednesday in Frankfort. House Bill 3 appropriates $8.9 million to renovate the Jefferson County Youth Detention...
Competing proposals emerge to help Kentucky’s struggling juvenile justice centers
Kentucky’s troubled juvenile justice facilities have put a call on lawmakers to act. Democrats and Republicans have put out different approaches to curb troubled youth away from crime. Before the 2023 session started, lawmakers formed a work group to investigate the...
Two Columbus-based organizations offering FREE work-training program
Better Work Columbus and Asbury United Methodist Church are working together for the second year to offer free classes designed to remove the barriers that keep many people in Columbus without a job.
School choice in 2023: 10 states to watch
Millions of American children do not receive a quality education that sets them up for success. A good education leads to opportunity, but unfortunately, it’s out of reach for so many. All Americans, regardless of political leanings, believe their children deserve an...
Proposed bill would increase Georgia’s tax credit scholarship program cap
Proposed legislation would increase the cap on the state’s tax credit scholarship program a year after lawmakers raised it The proposed measure, House Bill 54, would increase the cap from $120 million annually to $200 million per year starting in 2024. The state’s tax...
Kentucky’s Juvenile Justice System
Renee Shaw and guests discuss Kentucky's juvenile justice system. Guests: State Sen. Whitney Westerfield (R-Fruit Hill); State Rep. Jason Nemes (R-Louisville); State Rep. Nima Kulkarni (D-Louisville); State Rep. Keturah Herron (D-Louisville); Terry Brooks, executive...
‘A Violent Start To The Year’: Murders Are Already Soaring In These Six Major Cities
Spates of deadly violence impacted several U.S. cities to start 2023, outpacing the same period in 2022, and experts variously called for proper police funding, community trust-building efforts and investment in at-risk youth in response.
School choice legislation is likely from Georgia lawmakers this session
Georgia lawmakers are almost certain to discuss school funding and even school choice legislation during this year’s legislative session. "Parents are demanding more options in education, spurred on by the seismic changes we’ve seen in K-12 schools during the...
