Economic Security News

Who Pays No Income Tax?

From Urban Institute Latest Reports: Nearly half of all tax units will pay no income tax in 2009. The fraction of non-taxpayers differs widely, depending on income, tax filing status, and whether the unit is elderly or contains children. Read...


Revitalizing Social Security: Effectively Targeting Benefit Enhancements for Low Lifetime Earners and the Oldest Old

From Urban Institute Latest Reports: I argue that Social Security benefits for long-term, low-wage workers are modest and need to be increased. There are many ways to bolster benefits for low-income retirees, each with strengths and weaknesses, so technical details...


Secretary Donovan awards over $1 billion in Recovery Act Funds to jump-start affordable housing construction in 26 states

From HUD Press Releases: WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced that HUD is approving plans submitted by state housing finance agencies for $1,035,322,485to jump start affordable housing programs in states throughout the countrythat are...


Changes to the Tax Exclusion of Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance Premiums: A Potential Source of Financing for Health Reform

From Urban Institute Latest Reports: Many have suggested that reducing or eliminating the tax exclusion of employer-sponsored health insurance (ESI) could generate significant additional tax revenue to fund expansions in health insurance coverage. In this paper, we focus on two...


HUD Secretary announces disaster assistance for Kansas storm victims

From HUD Press Releases: WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced HUD will speed federal disaster assistance to 28 storm-ravaged counties in Kansas and provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes...


Most-Detailed Statistical Scan of D.C. Youth Is Presented in "On the Road to Adulthood"

From Urban Institute Latest Reports: From health and housing to school achievement and employment, a new report from the Urban Institute provides the most comprehensive source of data on the state of teenagers and young adults in the District of...