NEWS & OPINIONS
A Better Safety Net in Georgia: Mapping the One Door Policy (House Bill 738) Would Be a Big Step Forward
Legislation pending in the Georgia Legislature, House Bill 738, would create a task force to explore how Georgia could use Utah’s One Door policy to build a safety net system that helps more people find meaningful work and pathways out of poverty.
SB 233: Georgia Promise Scholarships Would Help Thousands of Students. Why Did Some Districts Vote Against It?
If we truly want all of Georgia’s students to obtain a quality education that prepares them for a meaningful career and a stable life, parents need more options. Promise Scholarships are an incredible opportunity, but making them available to Georgia families depends on support from a few districts.
The Marriage Penalty: A Barrier to Relational Support and Better Opportunities for the Poor
Strong relationships are a cornerstone of vibrant communities, and research has shown that marriage is one key type of relationship for empowering individuals, regardless of race or circumstance, to escape poverty and find stability and opportunity. But a current tax policy is making it difficult for communities in Georgia and beyond to reap the benefits of marriage.
Understanding How Benefits Cliffs Impact Those In Poverty
We discuss the issue of Benefits Cliffs and what we are doing on this important issue for anyone on welfare or safety net services.
Public School Transfers: How to Go to a School You’re Not Zoned for in Georgia
Do Georgia parents have the option to move their kids to a different public school than the one assigned to their neighborhood? Yes…and no. Setting up a more flexible public school transfer program is one way Georgia could expand public school options and success.
Georgia’s 2024 Legislative Session: An Agenda to Lift Up Vulnerable Communities
Key Points As Georgia lawmakers convene for the 2024 legislative session, multiple bills are on the table that could break down barriers in poor and disadvantaged communities. A key issue to track: education opportunity. Lawmakers have a chance to enact several...
Building Better Work: The Power of Community and Business Partnerships
Key Points Our BETTER WORK program harnesses the transformative power of local partnerships to get more people hired and build prosperous, stable communities. Four standout collaborators—Essendant, Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, D.P. Jones Electrical, and...
Georgia School Choice Week: Gov. Kemp Encourages Access to Quality Education for Every Kid
Key Points A new proclamation from Governor Brian Kemp has designated January 21-27, 2024, as School Choice Week in Georgia. Georgia School Choice Week celebrates the fact that every kid is unique and more education options mean parents, educators, and communities can...
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...
MEDIA MENTIONS
San Francisco Should Try Punishing Criminals, Not Businesses
A new city ordinance mandating nightly business closures in the Tenderloin both fails to address the real problem and hampers economic opportunity. San Francisco’s Tenderloin District is one of the most difficult public-safety environments in the country. Long derided...
Josh Crawford Joins the John Butler Show
In this engaging interview, Josh Crawford, a respected criminal justice specialist, shares his insights on pressing issues related to public safety, crime trends, and effective law enforcement strategies. Hosted by John Butler, the conversation delves into the...
Report: Safety-net programs discourage career advancement
While safety-net programs such as Medicaid and food stamps support those in need, they "discourage career advancement," according to new research from the Georgia Center for Opportunity. The group's "Workforce Engagement: A Missing Link in Understanding Income...
Reforming Welfare to Help Americans Thrive with Randy Hicks | Let People Prosper Show Ep. 110
Episode 110 of the Let People Prosper Show: Dive into a thought-provoking discussion with Randy Hicks, President and CEO of the Georgia Center for Opportunity (GCO), as he explores how we can reform safety net programs to promote long-term self-sufficiency. Learn...
Impact of crime on the election
Join Josh Crawford, Director of Criminal Justice Initiatives at the Georgia Center for Opportunity, as he delves into the pressing issue of crime and its significant impact on the upcoming Presidential election. Featured on FOX 5 Mornings, Josh discusses how voters...
Biden should stop ignoring Americans’ economic reality
Over the past few months, President Joe Biden has told Americans that the U.S. economy is strong,inflation is subsiding, and the job market is growing. The narrative being pushed is that everything is just fine. Many people, however, especially younger and poorer...
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....
