social programs

October 25, 2013 - Saying they hope to ease the pain from the federal government shutdown, Gov. Pat McCrory this week announced he was sending turnip greens from the state prison farm to food banks, while state budget director Art Pope's foundation said it would contribute $185,000 to various charities. But can such alms-giving make up for policies that weaken public assistance programs?

November 28, 2011 - With this month's Republican takeover of the Mississippi House, the GOP now controls the state's legislature and governorship. Expect "personhood" by statute, an Alabama-like immigration bill, drug-testing for welfare recipients and cuts to social spending.

August 2, 2011 - Under the U.S. debt ceiling agreement expected to be signed into law by President Obama today, initial cuts to federal discretionary spending over the next decade: about $1 trillion