January 2006

The reconciliation bill contains many budget cuts in imporatant programs, including Medicaid, for low-income people. It also uses that "saved" money from those cuts, plus additional money that the government does not have to provide tax cuts for the wealthiest few, thus expanding the already-record federal deficit. Those who oppose the reconciliation bill can and should press their representatives, especially the Republicans who control the outcome, to vote "no" in February.

Reauthorization of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and child care subsidy programs would add $1 billion to the annual child care block grant for the next five years. Taken as a whole, the changes are not good for the people who use these programs. The changes are particularly unfair for Illinois, and urging House members to vote "no" on the reconciliation bill is well worth the effort.

Lockouts, forcible entry, and security deposit disputes are common occurrences for Illinois renters, according to a new report called "Insecure in Your Own Home: What It Means to Rent in Illinois," released by the Illinois Tenants Rights Working Group. The report calls attention to the experiences statewide of survey respondents who lack the basic consumer protections for safe, stable, and secure housing.

Five new board members will strengthen the administration of the Shriver Center's national mission. They bring a wealth of expertise to the organization on issues affecting low-income people--financial education, the needs of low-income women, and the barriers to independent living experienced by ex-offenders.

Saving and investing have always been bedrock American values--a way both to get ahead financially and to have something to fall back on in a crisis. Nowadays with easy credit, many Americans have abandoned the savings habit and have lost sight of the economic benefits that accompany thrift. However, SEED (Saving for Education, Entrepreneurship, and Down Payment), a model initiative in Chicago, aims to make sure that all Americans, especially those of lower income, build and nurture their nest eggs.