By Katie Fleischer Broadcast version by Emily Scott Reporting for the Ms. Magazine -Arkansas News Service Collaboration It s no secret that extra cash can reduce stress and allow people to do things they ve been putting off-like buying a few treats, going to the doctor or paying off debts. But new evidence suggests that receiving monthly payments doesn t just impact the mental health of parents, but also the brains and futures of their children. .
A federal grant is helping Montana tackle homelessness among the state s young people. The Treasure State was chosen as a rural recipient of a $3.4 million grant from the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project, created by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. .
A new report shows financial supports made available in the pandemic have led to a direct reduction in poverty in Massachusetts. From expanded unemployment benefits and Child Tax Credit payments to increases in food assistance, the report said targeted benefits have shown there is a way to cut childhood poverty in half. Nancy Wagman, research and Kids Count director for the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center and the report s author, contended today s poverty and racial disparities are partly a result of past policies. .
With tax season underway, Massachusetts groups are raising awareness about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), an IRS-sponsored program to help people file their income taxes correctly and maximize their refunds. Community Action agencies and other groups have served more than 300,000 Massachusetts residents, helping them get more than $600 million in refunds. Alayna Van Tassel, executive director of the Office of Economic Empowerment for the Massachusetts State Treasurer s Office, said for many families, having free and comprehensive tax preparation services can go a long way. .