NEWS & OPINIONS
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...
Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner Expected To Hurt Those In Need
The Farm Bureau Released A Report That The Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner Was Going Up Significantly. What is happening Many people are gathering for the first time in nearly 2 years for Thanksgiving. A recent Farm Bureau report shows the impact of Inflation and other...
MEDIA MENTIONS
State Spotlight: Fighting for Students’ Futures in Georgia
What is it like when your child’s school is failing them? For Georgia mother Tanya Schlegel, it was heartbreaking. Her son “would routinely come home from school with tears in his eyes, saying the school wasn’t treating him fairly. I discovered they were not...
Looking at some of the causes, solutions to Louisville’s violence problem
As Louisville tries to get into the thunder and Derby spirit, violence hangs over the metro. We’ve heard from both sides of the political aisles about how to stop the bloodshed. Tonight the Jefferson County GOP heard some interesting thoughts in a presentation about...
Louisville leaders say violence reduction strategy falling short in key areas
According to the Louisville Metro Police Department, 2022 was the third-deadliest year in Louisville’s history. There were 160 homicides last year, a 150% increase from 2012 when the Metro finished the year with 64 homicides. “It is simultaneously fully...
Nelson Mullins – Gold Dome Report – Legislative Day 36
House Education Committee – Policy Subcommittee The Policy Subcommittee of the House Education Committee, chaired by Representative Scott Hilton (R-Peachtree Corners), met Monday to consider one measure: SB 233, authored by Senator Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming), is the...
Georgia school voucher bill stays alive after heated Senate debate
A school voucher bill is one of many that survived Monday’s legislative deadline where pieces of legislation have to pass at least one chamber in order to stay alive for Georgia’ 2023 legislative session. After some intense debate on the Senate floor, Senate Bill 233...
Georgia Senate passes bill to create state-funded education savings accounts
The Georgia Senate passed legislation to create state-funded education savings accounts. Under Senate Bill 233, the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, taxpayers would fund $6,000 per student per school year. Families could use the money to defray "qualified" education...
‘School choice’ legislation is sweeping the nation. Here are the states where it’s been introduced
This year, there has been a spate of bills introduced around the country that would expand school choice programs following Arizona’s passage of universal school choice last year. Last week, Georgia’s Senate Education Committee voted to pass education savings account...
Georgia Senate committee advances education savings accounts bill
The Senate Education Committee voted to advance legislation creating state-funded education savings accounts. The committee voted 6-5 Tuesday afternoon in favor of Senate Bill 233, the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act. “Too many times, education access in Georgia is...
