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A Chilly Reception: Proposed Immigration Rule Creates Chilling Effect for New Immigrants and Current Citizens
The Trump Administration announced on October 10 a proposal that would fundamentally change our country’s approach to immigration. This proposal would change what is known as the “public charge” immigration rule, which could make it very difficult for many immigrants to receive the Green Cards or visas that allow them to enter or stay in this country legally.
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Who Pays? Low and Middle Earners in Massachusetts Pay Larger Share of their Incomes in Taxes
Taxes are the main way communities pay for the things we do together. Taxes pay for essential programs and infrastructure we take for granted, like fire protection, public education, and health inspectors; roads, bridges, and public transit; and the support for people facing hard times. Examining how much people at different income levels pay in taxes is important when considering the fairness of tax policy.
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Massachusetts Poverty Rate Flat, Median Income Growth Slowed in 2017
The U.S. Census Bureau recently released new data from its American Community Survey (ACS), allowing us to see how Massachusetts residents fared economically last year. Although the state has made significant gains in poverty reduction and income growth in recent years, especially since the recession, year-over-year progress began to slow in 2017. Compared to 2016, the poverty rate was essentially flat, and median household income grew at a much slower pace.
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Losing Momentum: March towards health insurance for all Massachusetts residents stalls
Having health insurance helps people afford necessary medical care, which helps them live healthier lives. Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in making sure all its residents have health insurance, but progress has stalled. Further, some communities of color continue to encounter obstacles to getting health insurance and still see higher levels of uninsurance compared with the state overall.
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Keeping Massachusetts Working for Workers: Policy Gains in 2018 and Possibilities Beyond
For Labor Day 2018, this brief looks at the gains Massachusetts workers made in 2018 -- passing a $15 minimum wage, creating a paid family and medical leave program, and increasing the state's Earned Income Tax Credit to 30 percent of the federal credit -- as well a handful of other options for making further improvements to the lives of workers and their families across the commonwealth.
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Why the Count Counts: Major Sources of Federal Funding for Massachusetts Affected by Census Counts
The decennial Census counts for much more than a tally of every resident of the country. The Census is the country's snapshot: it creates our most accurate picture of everyone who lives here and where they live.
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FAQ: The Massachusetts $15 Minimum Wage Proposal
This FAQ analyzes the minimum wage provisions of House Bill 4640. These provisions would increase the Massachusetts minimum wage from $11 an hour to $15 by 2023. The bill would also increase the minimum wage that employers are obligated to pay tipped workers from $3.75 to $6.75 by 2023.
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