New report finds growing income gaps between the rich and other families - But Utah ranks last among states in inequality

April 7, 2008- High-income families across the United States grew dramatically wealthier over the past two decades, widening the gap between themselves and low- and middle-income families, according to a new joint study by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) and the Economic Policy Institute (EPI).

Utah's Spending on Low-Income People Amounts to Only to 8% of the State Budget

February 25, 2008- State programs for low-income people comprise only 8% of the Utah’s discretionary budget, according to a new analysis by Voices for Utah Children entitled “Leveraging and Priorities in the Utah Budget.”

Health Reform Bill Passes out of the House

February 8, 2008- Health System Reform, passed out of the House with the overwhelming support of 72 to zero.

House Speaker Introduces CHIP Bill

January 24, 2008- House Speaker Greg Curtis has introduced legislation that would eliminate the cap on CHIP enrollment.

Press Release: 10 Years of State Spending 2008

January 11, 2008- A study of Utah State government budgets, released today by Voices for Utah Children, suggests that the spending growth has been reasonable and that the cost of government has actually decreased in recent years. These findings contrast with a report by the Utah Taxpayers Association in two ways. First, the study looks specifically at types of public spending, separating operating costs from capital expenditure. Second, it explicitly takes into account growth in public spending that is fueled by increases in population and personal income.

Press Release: Senate Forges Bipartisan CHIP Proposal-President Threatens Veto.

July 16, 2007- Last week the Senate Finance Committee released the Chairman’s proposal to renew the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The agreement forged by Utah’s Senator Orrin Hatch and Sens. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), and Jay Rockefeller (D-W Va.) sends a strong signal that Congress is ready to action on children’s coverage in a bipartisan manner.

Press Release: Senate Approves Head Start Reauthorization Bill

June 20, 2007- In a surprise move late last night, the Senate, by unanimous consent, approved a Head Start reauthorization bill. 

Press Release: New Report Challenged-Department of Health and Human Services Could Cost Uninsured Children a Chance at Health Coverage.

June 18, 2007- Yesterday the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released new estimates of the number of uninsured children that fall far below the 9 million estimates previously issued by the Census Bureau and leading health care researchers.

Press Release: How Much Does it Take to Get By in Utah?

May 22, 2007-More than you many think says a new publication

Press Release: Census Releases Poverty Data

August 29 2006- Poverty in Utah Fails to Decline Despite Four Years of Economic Growth

New Data Suggests Need to Refocus Federal and State Efforts to Combat Poverty