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....
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.
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...
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...
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....
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...
