Salem-News.com Poverty articles Page 31

Group Says Jobs in Oregon Will Remain Scarce Well Into Next Decade

Employment data show "need for a stable public sector," OCPP says.

(SILVERTON, Ore.) - An analysis of today's employment numbers shows that there are fewer jobs for working-age Oregonians than in the worst year of the previous recession, which was 2003.

Oregon-Based Group Mobilizes in Pakistan Amid Taliban Fighting (AUDIO)

Reports from the war zone are compelling many Oregonians to help.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - As a half million people half the world away in Pakistan flee their homes because of armed fighting, an Oregon-based aid group is on the ground to help those families in need. Mercy Corps is handing out emergency kits this week, and Portland-based personnel are arriving in Pakistan to assess the continued emergency response.

Spokesperson Caitlin Carlson says those who had to flee had little notice.

Oregon Governor Hits the Road for Hunger Awareness Week (AUDIO)

The number of people requesting emergency food boxes is up about 30 percent in his area.

(ONTARIO, Ore.) - It's Hunger Awareness Week in Oregon through May 3, and food bank locations are scrambling to meet record demand in many areas of the state.

To help drum up donations, on Thursday and Friday Gov. Ted Kulongoski will hop aboard an Oregon Food Bank truck to run a multi-city delivery route to eastern Oregon.

Housing `Affordability Gap` Grows in Oregon

New report says rents outpace renters' income.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The annual "Housing Out of Reach" report for 2009, released this week by a national low-income housing advocacy group, shows what Oregon renters probably already suspect: Rent prices have outpaced many renters' ability to pay them, at least without cutting back on other basics.

Afghan Container Deaths Reflect Wider Human-Trafficking Problem

Though Afghanistan last year adopted a new law against human trafficking, its implementation remains challenging as Kabul struggles to quell the rising violence fanned by the Taliban insurgency in the country.

(QUETTA, Pakistani ) - Badshah's face says it all -- the story of dreams he never realized. Inside a Pakistani police station in Quetta, capital of the southwestern Baluchistan Province, he is waiting to be interviewed before being sent home.

Federal Stimulus Package Increases Food Stamp Benefits

Lawmakers say the changes will also boost the local economy.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregonians will soon have increased food benefits under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which calls for a more than 13 percent increase in federal food stamp benefits.

Governor Ted Kulongoski says the increase helps in two ways. The added benefits will help people who are feeling the impact of the economy and also help local communities by putting more money into the local economy.

UN: Priorities in Afghanistan Require Resources and Solid Will (PHOTOS)

Ban Ki-moon said effective international support contributes to political stability and economic growth, and will be a critical component in any international exit strategy.

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - International priorities in Afghanistan – including security, long-term institution-building and stability throughout the coming elections – remain valid, but what is lacking is adequate resources and political will, the top United Nations envoy to the strife-torn country said today.

1 in 31 U.S. Adults are Behind Bars, on Parole or Probation

Discovering the scale and cost of prison, jail, probation and parole in each of the 50 states.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Explosive growth in the number of people on probation or parole has propelled the population of the American corrections system to more than 7.3 million, or 1 in every 31 U.S. adults, according to a report released today by the Pew Center on the States.

The vast majority of these offenders live in the community, yet new data in the report finds that nearly 90 percent of state corrections dollars are spent on prisons.

Business Group Says Oregon Business Taxes Are Second Lowest Among All States and District of Columbia

Oregon could raise business taxes by $1.6 billion and still be in line with nation

(SILVERTON, Ore.) - A new study finds Oregon has the second lowest state and local business taxes among all states and the District of Columbia and that businesses get a better deal for the taxes they pay in Oregon than just about any other state.

The study's data suggest that Oregon's state and local business taxes are so low that the state could raise business taxes by $1.6 billion annually and still be in line with state and local business taxes nationwide.

Rural Counties Benefit from HUD Allocation

Oregon rural counties to receive $1.5 million for homeless programs.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Federal funds recently received by the Rural Oregon Continuum of Care will help keep housing assistance and supportive services alive for homeless individuals and families in 23 Oregon counties.

Under the broader HUD Continuum of Care program, local communities and agencies must work together to provide prevention outreach, emergency shelter and supportive services for homeless individuals and families in addition to housing options.