April is Fair Housing Month. High housing prices are a key driver of dissatisfaction with an economy that’s otherwise pretty strong on paper. But even after years of rising rents, national leaders have been slow to offer solutions.
This week in OtherWords, single mom Ashley Dines shares her own story about falling into homelessness despite having a decent job and a paycheck. Like many Americans, she simply had too little leftover in her budget after paying rent to weather an unexpected emergency. And when several happened at once, it was a quick spiral into instability.
Ashley, however, has an idea: A Renter’s Tax Credit, which would help keep rental expenses below 30 percent of household income. Homeowners get big breaks from our tax code, she points out. Shouldn’t renters get one?
Also this week, Archi Pyati explains why immigration isn’t just safe for this country — we’d be in big trouble without it. Mitchell Zimmerman says the U.S. must stop supporting an Israeli military that openly targets aid workers, like the seven World Central Kitchen workers it killed in a missile strike recently. And Brian Cass shares some exciting news about efforts to crack down on predatory overdraft fees.
New This Week…
Rents Are Unaffordable Nationwide. A Renter’s Tax Credit Would Help. | Ashley Dines
A monthly tax credit that capped housing costs at 30 percent of income could keep millions of Americans — including me — in our homes.
Immigration Makes Our Country Stronger. Cruelty Makes It Weak.| Archi Pyati
The data is clear: more immigration means less crime, better pay, and a stronger country for native-born and immigrant Americans alike.
Israel’s Attacks on Aid Workers Must End | Mitchell Zimmerman
Over 200 relief workers have died under Israeli bombardment. The U.S. should stop sending arms until Israel ends these attacks and opens aid to Gazan civilians.
Making Ends Meet Is Hard Enough Without a Penalty for Coming Up Short | Brian Carss
The good news? The Biden administration is cracking down on abusive overdraft charges and late fees.
Cartoon: Gaza and Core American Values | Khalil Bendib
When it comes to Israel-Palestine, Joe Biden and Jared Kushner are on the same page.
In Case You Missed It…
It’s Time to Stop Playing Politics with Immigrants’ Lives | Juan Carlos Gomez
Being “tough” on immigration doesn’t mean you have to support cruel or ineffective policies.
State-Level Marijuana Legalization Has Been a Stunning Success | Paul Armentano
In the last decade or so, 24 states have legalized cannabis for adult use. There’s a reason none have turned back.
“Gaslighting and Greed”: How Uber Overcharges Riders and Underpays Drivers | Mariah Montgomery
If you’ve taken an Uber recently, you’ve probably noticed it costs a lot more than before. Here’s why.
More for Them, Less for Us | Sarah Anderson, William Rice, and Zachary Tashman
Tesla, Ford, Netflix, and T-Mobile are among scores of profitable U.S. firms that pay their top executives more than they pay in federal taxes.
