NEWS & OPINIONS
Year in Review: A look back at how opportunity expanded in 2023
2023 opened doors to more hope and opportunity because of solutions in five key areas of community life.
The cost of Christmas is up, especially for the poor
This year, inflation is threatening to put a dent in Christmas festivities. The cost of gifts, meals, and trips to see family and friends have gone up, to name a few common items. And Americans are noticing.
Are Food Stamp Benefits Too Little?
Key Points Research Indicating SNAP Benefits Are Too Low: Urban Institute tool suggests that the average cost of a meal exceeds the maximum SNAP benefit, emphasizing the potential inadequacy of the program. Concerns About Research Methodology: Emphasizes that SNAP is...
Missouri is first state to pass law addressing benefits cliffs
Key Points Missouri Leads the Way: The enactment of Senate Bill 82 establishes Missouri as the first state in the nation to address public assistance provisions, breaking ground in reforming safety-net benefits and combating the cycle of dependence on government...
The Georgia Promise Scholarship (SB 233): What Private Schools Need to Know
Get answers to how the proposed Georgia Promise Scholarship Program would affect private school funding, scholarships, and requirements.
The two-parent privilege and how it helps families escape poverty
Key Points The decline in two-parent households is a major driver of income inequality and decreased social mobility in the United States. Two-parent households provide a significant "privilege" for children, leading to better educational and economic outcomes, lower...
Solving the food stamp benefits cliffs
SNAP benefits cliffs are locking individuals and families in poverty. Our report outlines changes that can be made to fix the cliff.
Why crime in smaller cities like Columbus matters
A new effort seeks to address and prevent violent crime in smaller cities across the United States like Columbus, GA.
How a Government Shutdown Actually Hurts the Poor
The government shutdown is a roadblock that hurts the poor and efforts to move people out of government dependency.
California’s Skyrocketing Crime: How It Happened and What to Do About It
A new report shows California’s murder rate has gone up almost 24% since 2017. Learn what is behind California’s skyrocketing crime and what to do about it.
Can we restore safety to Atlanta?
The Georgia Center for Opportunity is announcing a new report on violent crime in Atlanta, which highlights the city’s recent spike in violent crime and how to mitigate it.
Empowering South Columbus Through Collaboration: C3 Job Fair Success
A South Columbus Job fair emphasizes the belief in the potential of residents and demonstrates that collaborative efforts can lead to transformative change and a brighter future for their community.
MEDIA MENTIONS
Amanda Kieffer: WV has too many laws preventing former criminals from working
How long should the consequences of your mistakes follow you in life? This is a question that the West Virginia State Senate is considering with SB 493: Relating to the use of criminal records as disqualification from authorization to practice a particular profession....
Contested education reforms loom over Georgia’s legislative session
Perhaps more than any time in recent memory, education-related bills look to dominate the current legislative session. If last year is any indicator, these measures may redraw political alliances and lead to heated debates. As is always the case, not every proposal is...
Community-led city improvement group to hold open meeting next week
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Locals seeking change in the community have an upcoming opportunity to meet with others who share that goal. On Jan. 30, the Columbus Empowerment Initiative will hold its first open meeting, starting at 10 a.m. at the Columbus Public Library....
When it comes to deadly shootings in Louisville, 2023 looks a lot like 2022
In 2023, Louisville experienced a high number of shootings, with 553 individuals dead or wounded, as reported by LMPD. While the statistics suggest a potential decrease in homicides compared to previous years, some, including anti-violence activists argue that there...
Reversing DC crime trends
Josh Crawford, the Director of Criminal Justice Initiatives at the Georgia Center for Opportunity, visited Fox 5 DC to talk about his analysis on DC crime trends. Watch the full video here
Ask Dr. E: What should national leaders do to rescue America from an economic trainwreck?
OPINION: Dear Dr. E: The American economy is a mess. Few could argue otherwise, at least with a straight face. Inflation is out of control. Our national debt is unsustainable. Social Security is teetering on bankruptcy. Homeownership is out of the question for...
Food Stamps: New Report Outlines 5 Possible Ways To Combat SNAP ‘Benefits Cliffs’ at Federal Level — Would They Save Recipients Money?
A benefits cliff is when a household loses more in net income and benefits from governmental assistance programs — like SNAP — than it gains from additional earnings. According to a report by the Georgia Center for Opportunity, this net loss is a “perverse incentive”...
Georgia report finds steps Congress should take to SNAP ‘benefits cliffs’
Design flaws in the federal food stamp program hinder recipients’ upward economic mobility and effectively force them into governmental dependency. That’s the upshot of a new Georgia Center for Opportunity report exploring possible solutions for addressing the...
