New York Times:

“The New Resentment of the Poor” While Republicans staunchly defend tax breaks for the wealthiest individuals and corporations, new rhetoric has emerged that calls for increased taxes on the poorest people in America who need to pay their “fair share”, including the elimination of the earned income tax credit and a rise in payroll taxes. This misguided claim ignores the fact the those exempted from federal income tax, many of whom are living close to poverty, pay a disproportionate amount of their income in regressive taxes like sales, income, payroll, and local and state taxes.

**Excellent Daily Show clip on this issue, “The Poor’s Free Ride is Over.” **

“Yes, We Need Jobs. But What Kind?” Economist Paul Osterman uses a study of Rio Valley Grande in Texas, where Gov. Rick Perry points to a 42% increase in employment, to illustrate the devastating consequences of jobs that pay poverty level wages. This article makes clear that job growth is not about numbers but rather the quality of employment, calling for more stringent labor standards and liveable wages.

The Wall Street Journal:

“Job Hurdle After Foster Care” A new report by the Center for an Urban Future found that youth aging out of foster care have a far harder time then their peers finding employment. Only 50% of kids from foster care are obtaining jobs. The report points to a lack of critical financial and emotional supports for kids in foster care that would aid job readiness.  It also notes that helping older youth in foster care transition into adult life is not a top priority for ACS, which eliminated the Office of Youth Development in 2008.

The Gotham Gazette:

“Out of Foster Care– And Into What?” This article looks more broadly at challenges facing youth aging out of foster care, including problems finding housing, work, education, and emotional supports. While ACS caseworkers are meant to provide comprehensive preparation for the transition into adult life for these young people, this process is often started too late and is ineffective. Some fortunate young people turn to supportive housing programs, which are located throughout the five boroughs and house youth aging out of care while providing life skills training.

New York Post:

“‘Shelter Student’ Crisis” Better tracking and oversight practices between the Department of Education and the Department of Homeless Service coupled with the fallout of the recession shows that the number of homeless youth enrolled in NYC schools has quadrupled since 2008.

National Public Radio: Weekend Edition

“Youth Joblessness Creates Ripple Effect” This piece discusses new rates of unemployment for teens seeking jobs — now around 26%. This is significant because teens who work earlier in life are more likely to go on to college and experience greater career success. The current state of youth employment will have negative repercussions for society as a whole unless something is done to get young people jobs.