Daily Dime

March 20, 2023

The rising cost of quality child care

Access to high-quality, affordable child care is essential for Louisiana working families. It allows parents to work and ensures our youngest residents get the care they need to thrive. But rising costs, combined with an exodus of workers from the low-pay, labor-intensive industry, have put this crucial service out of reach for many families.… Read more...

March 17, 2023

Going hungry in America

Hardship is on the rise across America as the expiration of federal pandemic-era benefits are coinciding with ever-increasing prices. A clear example of these struggles can be found in houses that rely on federal food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.… Read more...

March 16, 2023

Beware of short-sighted tax cuts

Louisiana’s relatively rosy revenue forecast is poised for a serious downturn in 2025 thanks to expiring taxes, and the Legislature’s decision to redirect vehicle sales taxes from the state general fund into a trust fund for road and bridge projects. Additional tax cuts are being floated for the legislative session that starts next month.… Read more...

March 15, 2023

Agencies need workers to protect kids

Louisiana’s beleaguered child welfare agency has added 326 workers since July to help respond to the most serious cases of child abuse and neglect. Gov. John Bel Edwards’ 2023-24 executive budget calls for  adding another 73 full-time staff for the Department of Children and Family Services.… Read more...