Atlanta has a 27.8% poverty rate

The Census Bureau also released a report on income and poverty in states, counties and large cities. Georgia was one of 12 Southern states with poverty rates higher than the national average. In 2004, the state had a poverty rate of 14.8 percent, which means that about 1.2 million people live in poverty, according to the report. The bureau also found that Atlanta has a 27.8 percent poverty rate, among the highest for cities of at least 250,000. Census says poverty rate rises for 4th straight year ajc.com

Poverty Rose in 2004, Medicaid enrollment increases

As poverty in America increase, programs like Medicare and Medicaid remain important in people's lives. "The portion of Americans without health insurance remained roughly steady at 16 percent, according to the bureau. A smaller percentage of people were covered by their employers, but two big government programs, Medicaid and military insurance, grew." Income Stagnated and Poverty Rose in 2004, Census Figures Show - New York Times

What happens when you leave High School?

Across America this month, about 90,000 families have faced this same bittersweet moment, as their disabled children "age out" of state education systems. Most states provide education and care until age 21 -- Michigan is an exception. After that, families are on their own to find services and meaningful activities for their children...That's why these commencement ceremonies feel different from most others. Parents wonder: What kind of life are their children commencing? Often, they go to programs far inferior to what they had in school, or they sit in their parents' homes (or group homes) and stare at TV.
CareerJournal When Disabled Children Get Too Old for Public Education

Georgia will save money by reducing Medicaid enrollment

Georgia's 1.5 million Medicaid patients likely will not see their benefits cut next year, but they won't receive additional services, either....Some consumer health advocates and hospital officials greeted Thursday's budget news with a sigh of relief. Last year's budget reductions resulted in substantial cuts to the PeachCare for Kids dental program. Previous reductions resulted in reduced Medicaid coverage for low-income pregnant women, and cuts in payments for speech therapists who treat children... Medicaid cuts unlikely in '06 ajc.com: "Some consumer health advocates and hospital officials greeted Thursday's budget news with a sigh of relief. Last year's budget reductions resulted in substantial cuts to the PeachCare for Kids dental program. Previous reductions resulted in reduced Medicaid coverage for low-income pregnant women, and cuts in payments for speech therapists who treat children."

Congress considers $10 billion cuts to Medicaid

The Senate Finance Committee is trying to find as much as $10 billion in savings from Medicaid, trimming anticipated growth by as much as 13 percent at a time when states such as Tennessee and Missouri are throwing tens of thousands of people off their Medicaid rosters. Critical Votes Loom For Hill Republicans

Department of Human Resources recommended 1,500 slots in 2007 budget

The DHR reccomended 1,500 slots in their budget reccomendation to the Governor. This is great news for disability advocates. See

Budget Proposal