NEWS & OPINIONS
Businesses fleeing cities over crime is a warning sign we can’t ignore
Crime is causing businesses to flee communities already experiencing a lack of opportunity. This is having an impact on healthcare, jobs, and social health.
National Police Week: Community Benefits of a Strong Police Force
Along with remembering these local heroes, Police Week is an opportunity to reflect on the role law enforcement has in building vibrant communities where everyone can achieve their potential.
Georgia parents deserve full transparency from state school systems
Key Points Georgia received a waiver from reporting its College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) metrics, including the A-F grading system for schools. The CCRPI metrics assess student performance, including comprehension of class content and preparedness...
Inflation is becoming worse for Americans on a fixed income
Today, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that in April the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.4%, not seasonally adjusted. Year over year, the CPI has gone up 4.9% in the last 12 months. The Georgia Center for Opportunity’s (GCO) take: “Not only has the...
Free the Future Campaign Making an Impact in Columbus
Key Points Free the Future is an initiative of the Mayor of Columbus Georgia’s Commission on Reentry, in partnership with the Urban League of the Chattahoochee Valley. The Georgia Center for Opportunity’s BETTER WORK Columbus program director, Kristin Barker, is...
Navigating the current economic crisis: A guide to surviving the job market
Key Points As of March 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a nationwide unemployment rate of 3.5%. Well-known companies are conducting large-scale layoffs—in some cases, laying off tens of thousands of employees. The BETTER WORK program can help you take...
Why parental involvement is key to a child’s health
Key Points Parental involvement makes a big difference in children's development. Students with involved parents have better attendance and behavior, get better grades, demonstrate better social skills and adapt better to school. Parents need access to tools, which is...
Education successes from the 2023 Georgia legislative session
We have much to celebrate as the 2023 Georgia legislative session comes to a close. At the same time, there is still much work to be done. That’s what this blog post is all about. First, we’ll take a look at recent victories in the area of education during the...
Lyft and BETTER WORK Unite
Key Points Transportation is a barrier for some when it comes to maintaining employment. Lyft saw a need in the community and stepped in to fill the gap. Lyft’s free rides have assisted BETTER WORK participants and given them time to make a plan. “You’re hired!”...
Georgia is poised to expand workforce opportunity
Key Points Georgia General Assembly, lawmakers unanimously approved House Bill 155, which creates a pathway for thousands of Georgians who might face roadblocks to getting an occupational license to smooth the path for doing so, provided they held a license One in...
BETTER WORK has resources for high school students
Key Points Not every high school graduate will attend college. There are strong career paths available for those who are ready to learn. Jobs in the water industry are plentiful. In addition to excellent pay and stability, careers in the water field offer...
The GCO 2022 year in review
Curious about our projects. progress, and achievements over the past year? The Georgia Center for Opportunity 2022 Annual Report is now available online. This year-in-review consolidates the most crucial information about where we’ve been and where we’re headed, all...
MEDIA MENTIONS
Want to reduce crime in DC? Ramp up enforcement and sentences
By Joshua Crawford, Director of Criminal Justice Initiatives What a difference a year makes. Around this time last year, the Council of the District of Columbia overrode Mayor Muriel Bowser’s veto of a criminal code reform bill that, among other things,...
U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney’s ‘One Door’ bill would allow states to integrate social safety net with workforce development
The One Door to Work Act, introduced by Sen. Mitt Romney, would allow states the flexibility to implement Utah’s model of consolidating federal workforce development and social safety-net programs into a single state entity. The end goal is to help work-capable recipients reintegrate more quickly into the workforce, empowering them to achieve the independence, stability, and purpose that are crucial to human well-being.
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...
