NEWS & OPINIONS
2024: A Year of Unique Opportunities to Change Lives and Help Our Neighbors
Key Points Building off our success in 2023, the new year presents unique opportunities to build better lives for our neighbors through the power of work, education, family, and safer communities. Our goal is for 2024 to be the year that safety-net reform takes hold...
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.
MEDIA MENTIONS
Gangs Are Back In San Diego
Gangs are re-emerging in Escondido, prompting the PD to reinstate the Gang crew. Former Assistant DA in Sacramento and former Senior Fellow at the California Justice Legal Foundation, and now Director of Criminal Justice Initiatives at the Georgia Center for...
Removing work disincentives in the social safety net will strengthen upward mobility and the economy
Policymakers at the national level looking for ways to strengthen economic opportunity too often fixate solely on expanding government programs. Instead, they should embrace a simple goal: eliminating barriers faced by people striving to improve their situation....
The Voice of Reason with Andy Hooser: Guest Josh Crawford
In a compelling episode of The Voice of Reason, host Andy Hooser welcomes Josh Crawford to discuss the critical issues surrounding criminal justice reform. With his extensive expertise in public safety, Josh delves into the current state of the criminal justice...
Op-Ed: This Father’s Day, men are struggling. We need to help them
RANDY HICKS, OPINION CONTRIBUTOR As we celebrate Father’s Day on June 16, it’s time for a renewed call to help men flourish in modern-day America. It’s well past time to begin addressing what has emerged as a deep problem in the United States: Aimless, lonely,...
There’s a crime divide between Americans and politicians, and voters are watching
BY JOSHUA CRAWFORD, OPINION CONTRIBUTOR With the announcement that President Biden and former President Trump will debate in Atlanta in June, the 2024 election cycle is in full swing. Many Americans are not enthused. Earlier this year, 67 percent of respondents told a...
Joshua Crawford on The Bill Cunningham Show
Josh Crawford, director of Criminal Justice Initiatives at the Georgia Center for Opportunity, joined The Bill Cunningham Show to discuss how crime is likely to influence the upcoming November election. Tune in to hear his expert analysis on this crucial issue. Listen...
Joshua Crawford Featured on The Steve Gruber Show
Josh Crawford, director of Criminal Justice Initiatives at the Georgia Center for Opportunity and a public safety policy leader, recently appeared on The Steve Gruber Show. In his interview, he explores the growing crime divide between Americans and politicians and...
Unraveling the Damage Done by Our Welfare System
Education, employment, and family formation are “the building blocks for a flourishing life,” says the leader of the Georgia Center for Opportunity. But, unfortunately, America’s welfare system includes penalties for both work and family formation, Randy Hicks says. ...
