Childcare funding expires, putting millions of kids at risk

by Patrick Wilson

Millions of kids could lose their childcare spots after billions of dollars in emergency funding expired on Saturday.

The Child Care Stabilization Act, which would have prevented the funding lapse, was introduced in mid-September but has not been supported by Republicans. As a result, more than 3 million kids could soon lose their childcare spots, more than 70,000 childcare programs could be forced to close, and 232,000 childcare workers could lose their jobs.

Childcare advocates say the loss of funding will be devastating for families, particularly low-income families, and could cost the U.S. economy $9 billion a year in lost earnings. The end of the childcare grants will compound the damage done by the collapse of the pandemic-era safety net, which lifted tens of millions out of poverty in 2021.

Childcare costs vary across the U.S., but prices can be “untenable for families even in lower-priced areas,” warned a recent Labor Department analysis. The Century Foundation estimated that the impacts of the emergency funding lapse could cost U.S. families $9 billion a year in lost earnings, as many could have to leave the workforce or curb their hours to care for their children.

Childcare advocates are urging Congress to pass the Child Care Stabilization Act to prevent the loss of childcare spots and support families.

* This piece was created with the help of ai.

Massachusetts NOW Rally to End Period Poverty

by Patrick Wilson

On Thursday, October 5th, 2023, the Massachusetts Menstrual Equity Coalition (MMEC) will hold a rally at the State House to support the I AM Bill to Increase Access to Menstrual Products (H. 534/S. 1381). The bill is currently being considered by the Public Health Committee, and the MMEC is urging supporters to attend the rally and make their voices heard.

Period poverty is a serious problem in Massachusetts, with one in five students struggling to afford menstrual products. This can lead to a number of negative consequences, including school absenteeism, health problems, and social isolation. The I AM Bill would help to address period poverty by ensuring that free menstrual products are available in schools, shelters, and prisons.

The MMEC is a coalition of over 400 menstrual activists and organizations working to end period poverty in Massachusetts. The coalition has been advocating for the I AM Bill for several years, and the rally on October 5th is a key part of their campaign.

Why is the I AM Bill important?

The I AM Bill is important because it would help to ensure that everyone in Massachusetts has access to the menstrual products they need. This is essential for public health, education, and equity.

Period poverty can have a number of negative consequences for people who menstruate. For example, people who cannot afford menstrual products may have to miss school or work, or they may have to use unsanitary methods to manage their periods. This can lead to health problems, such as urinary tract infections and infections of the reproductive tract.

Period poverty can also have a negative impact on people’s social lives. People who cannot afford menstrual products may avoid participating in social activities because they are worried about leaking or having an accident. This can lead to social isolation and stigma.

The I AM Bill would help to address these problems by ensuring that free menstrual products are available to everyone who needs them. This would help to improve public health, education, and equity for all people in Massachusetts who menstruate.

How to get involved

There are a number of ways to get involved in the fight to end period poverty and support the I AM Bill. You can:

Attend the MMEC rally on October 5th at the State House
Contact your state legislators and urge them to support the I AM Bill
Donate to the MMEC or other organizations working to end period poverty
Volunteer your time to help distribute menstrual products to people in need
Talk to your friends and family about period poverty and the importance of menstrual equity

Every little bit helps. By working together, we can end period poverty in Massachusetts and ensure that everyone has access to the menstrual products they need.

* This piece was created with the help of ai.

How NYC’s Bowery Presents Is Saving Music in Northampton, Massachusetts

by Patrick Wilson

If you’re a fan of live music in New England, you’re probably familiar with Bowery Presents, the New York City-based music venue operator that runs Terminal 5 and SummerStage in NYC, as well as Royale and Roadrunner in Boston, The Sinclair in Cambridge, and more. But what you might not know is that Bowery Presents is now expanding its reach beyond the city, and its latest target is the historic Calvin Theater in Northampton, Massachusetts.

The Calvin Theater has been a cultural hub in Northampton since 1924, but it’s been closed for most of the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But now, with Bowery Presents at the helm, the theater is set to reopen early next year, and it’s poised to become one of the most exciting music venues in the region.

Bowery Presents is known for its eclectic programming, and the Calvin Theater will be no exception. The company plans to book a wide range of artists, from indie rock to hip hop to electronic music. And with its state-of-the-art sound system and intimate setting, the Calvin Theater is sure to be one of the best places to see live music in New England.

The reopening of the Calvin Theater is also good news for the Northampton economy. The theater employs dozens of people and attracts thousands of visitors to the city each year. So whether you’re a local or just visiting from out of town, be sure to check out the Calvin Theater when it reopens next year. You won’t be disappointed.

Bowery Presents’ acquisition of the Calvin Theater is a win-win for everyone involved. The people of Northampton get a new music venue, Bowery Presents gets to expand its reach, and music fans get to see their favorite artists in a great setting.

* This piece was created with the help of ai.