Latest news with #WIC
Axios
4 hours ago
- Business
- Axios
Richmond to start charging 5 cents for plastic bags in 2026
Richmond is about to start taxing your single-use plastic bags. Why it matters: While City Council members lauded the effort to reduce waste and pollution, many shared concerns about how the tax will be passed on to residents on fixed incomes. Driving the news: City Council approved the 5-cent tax, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2026, on Monday. The city is the first in the area, and the 11th locality in the state, to pass a tax like this since the legislature gave them the authority to in 2021. Zoom in: Based on an estimated 8 million bags used in Richmond annually, the tax would generate $400,000 in revenue the first year, said Laura Thomas, director of Richmond's Office of Sustainability. Between the lines: The city would technically receive about $320,000 of that since 1 cent per bag goes to retailers. The total annual revenue would drop to around $100,000 to $150,000 as people use fewer bags, Thomas told councilmembers. Per state law, the revenue can only go toward cleaning up and reducing pollution and providing reusable bags to SNAP and WIC recipients. Thomas also said the city would use some of its own funds to give reusable bags to residents who need them. How it works: Grocers, convenience stores and drugstore retailers will report how many plastic bags they've sold to the state, which enforces the tax and then provides the revenue to Richmond. The tax doesn't include plastic bags used for dry cleaning, prescriptions, trash cans, your dog's poop or packaging meat or produce. What they're saying: Retailers can choose whether they'd like to pass the fee onto consumers or absorb it, Thomas said. Some major grocery stores, like Lidl and Aldi, don't even offer plastic bags. The other side: "Who's going to pay the most are the communities that we've neglected all along, that don't have a quality grocery store," said Councilmember Ellen Robertson, who voted against the tax. Councilmember Reva Trammell said she decided to also vote "no" after some older constituents who rely on delivery services for groceries, which often use plastic bags, raised concerns about pricier bills.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How Trump's budget would hit America's poorest families hardest
Donald Trump's plan to slash billions of dollars in federal spending includes dramatic cuts to vital programs that support millions of Americans, including the nation's poorest families. New details in a massive White House document spanning more than 1,200 pages outline stark cuts to programs that help feed and house millions of children, which critics fear will have dangerous consequences for the nation's most vulnerable households. Trump's 2026 budget proposal was released with little fanfare on Friday evening as Congress prepares to vote on more than a dozen spending measures. It will ultimately be up to lawmakers to decide how far those cuts stretch. But the president wants to shed $163 billion in non-defense spending from the nation's 2026 budget. That includes cutting down $12 billion from education programs and more than $60 billion from agencies supporting housing and food access for women and children — from slashing rental assistance for poor families to ending the only federal program that supports state-level preschool development. The White House proposes significantly rolling back support for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), which supports more than 6.7 million people, including 1.5 million pregnant and post-partum mothers and more than 5 million children under age 5. Under Trump's proposal, breastfeeding mothers receiving WIC assistance would see their monthly benefits plummet from $54 to just $13, while support for children would drop from $27 to $10, according to the National WIC Association. Current WIC benefit levels only cover the cost for about half the recommended daily serving of fruits and vegetables for young children and mothers, according to the group. Trump's proposed cuts would give children only 19 percent and mothers just 12 percent of those recommendations, the group found. 'This budget request falls short of the Trump administration's commitment to 'Make America Healthy Again,' particularly in its failure to support maternal and child health through vital nutrition programs,' according to National WIC Association president Georgia Machell. Trump's proposal 'directly removes healthy food from the hands of low-income moms and young children who face nutritional risk,' she added. 'This budget doesn't just break promises. It takes healthy food off of children's plates.' The proposal would also eliminate funding for Child Nutrition Trainings, Farm to School Grants, and School Meal Equipment Grants, 'which will hurt schools' ability to feed children nutritious food during the school day,' according to Democrats on the Senate Appropriations committee. Trump's budget document zeroes out programs across education. Entire pages across the 1,200-page document would eliminate programs supporting preschools, before- and after-school programs, literacy programs and education for homeless children and in rural areas. The proposal would reduce the annual budget for the Department of Education — which the president wants to abolish altogether — by $12 billion, from $79.6 billion to $66.7 billion. 'The budget underscores that President Trump's vision for returning education to the states means state and local taxpayers will pay more to support students and educators at their local schools thanks to major cuts in federal funding,' according to Democrats on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Under the White House proposal, more than a dozen existing grants supporting education programs would be condensed into one fund that would let states choose how to spend those dollars. That would mean ending dedicated funding streams to support after-school programs and other services — such as programs that specifically support tens of thousands of homeless children. Roughly 1.4 million children in kindergarten through 12 grade experienced homelessness during the 2022-2023 school year, according to the latest federal data. Trump also proposes slashing funds for the Department of Housing and Urban Development by more than 43 percent. More than 10 million Americans rely on federal rental assistance, including 5.6 million people in families with children. Drastic cuts to those lifelines could put more families at risk of eviction and homelessness, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Housing Choice Vouchers and Section 8 assistance would lose more than $26.7 billion, marking a 42 percent reduction, under Trump's proposal. 'We should be making housing affordable by expanding effective rental assistance to help everyone in need, not slashing it irresponsibly to pay for tax cuts skewed to the wealthy,' said Will P. Fischer, the center's director of housing policy. A cap on how long households with 'able-bodied adults' can continue receiving federal assistance could put thousands of families at risk of losing their homes. In New York City, more than 61 percent of residents receiving assistance — roughly 316,00 people — could be deemed ineligible under Trump's vague definition, according to an analysis of New York City Housing Authority data. 'This is a draconian proposal to hurt working people and our economy, and it is dead on arrival in Congress as long as I have anything to say about it,' said Washington Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations committee. 'But this is just another reminder we need Republicans to join us to reject these reckless cuts, focus on the investments we actually need to make in our communities and security, and to finally force Trump to follow the law and end his devastating funding freeze,' she added.
The Independent
a day ago
- Business
- The Independent
How Trump's budget would hit America's poorest families hardest
Donald Trump 's plan to slash billions of dollars in federal spending includes dramatic cuts to vital programs that support millions of Americans, including the nation's poorest families. New details in a massive White House document spanning more than 1,200 pages outline stark cuts to programs that help feed and house millions of children, which critics fear will have dangerous consequences for the nation's most vulnerable households. Trump's 2026 budget proposal was released with little fanfare on Friday evening as Congress prepares to vote on more than a dozen spending measures. It will ultimately be up to lawmakers to decide how far those cuts stretch. But the president wants to shed $163 billion in non-defense spending from the nation's 2026 budget. That includes cutting down $12 billion from education programs and more than $60 billion from agencies supporting housing and food access for women and children — from slashing rental assistance for poor families to ending the only federal program that supports state-level preschool development. The White House proposes significantly rolling back support for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), which supports more than 6.7 million people, including 1.5 million pregnant and post-partum mothers and more than 5 million children under age 5. Under Trump's proposal, breastfeeding mothers receiving WIC assistance would see their monthly benefits plummet from $54 to just $13, while support for children would drop from $27 to $10, according to the National WIC Association. Current WIC benefit levels only cover the cost for about half the recommended daily serving of fruits and vegetables for young children and mothers, according to the group. Trump's proposed cuts would give children only 19 percent and mothers just 12 percent of those recommendations, the group found. 'This budget request falls short of the Trump administration's commitment to ' Make America Healthy Again,' particularly in its failure to support maternal and child health through vital nutrition programs,' according to National WIC Association president Georgia Machell. Trump's proposal 'directly removes healthy food from the hands of low-income moms and young children who face nutritional risk,' she added. 'This budget doesn't just break promises. It takes healthy food off of children's plates.' The proposal would also eliminate funding for Child Nutrition Trainings, Farm to School Grants, and School Meal Equipment Grants, 'which will hurt schools' ability to feed children nutritious food during the school day,' according to Democrats on the Senate Appropriations committee. Trump's budget document zeroes out programs across education. Entire pages across the 1,200-page document would eliminate programs supporting preschools, before- and after-school programs, literacy programs and education for homeless children and in rural areas. The proposal would reduce the annual budget for the Department of Education — which the president wants to abolish altogether — by $12 billion, from $79.6 billion to $66.7 billion. 'The budget underscores that President Trump's vision for returning education to the states means state and local taxpayers will pay more to support students and educators at their local schools thanks to major cuts in federal funding,' according to Democrats on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Under the White House proposal, more than a dozen existing grants supporting education programs would be condensed into one fund that would let states choose how to spend those dollars. That would mean ending dedicated funding streams to support after-school programs and other services — such as programs that specifically support tens of thousands of homeless children. Roughly 1.4 million children in kindergarten through 12 grade experienced homelessness during the 2022-2023 school year, according to the latest federal data. Trump also proposes slashing funds for the Department of Housing and Urban Development by more than 43 percent. More than 10 million Americans rely on federal rental assistance, including 5.6 million people in families with children. Drastic cuts to those lifelines could put more families at risk of eviction and homelessness, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Housing Choice Vouchers and Section 8 assistance would lose more than $26.7 billion, marking a 42 percent reduction, under Trump's proposal. 'We should be making housing affordable by expanding effective rental assistance to help everyone in need, not slashing it irresponsibly to pay for tax cuts skewed to the wealthy,' said Will P. Fischer, the center's director of housing policy. A cap on how long households with 'able-bodied adults' can continue receiving federal assistance could put thousands of families at risk of losing their homes. In New York City, more than 61 percent of residents receiving assistance — roughly 316,00 people — could be deemed ineligible under Trump's vague definition, according to an analysis of New York City Housing Authority data. 'This is a draconian proposal to hurt working people and our economy, and it is dead on arrival in Congress as long as I have anything to say about it,' said Washington Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations committee. 'But this is just another reminder we need Republicans to join us to reject these reckless cuts, focus on the investments we actually need to make in our communities and security, and to finally force Trump to follow the law and end his devastating funding freeze,' she added.
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sharjah to host 29th edition of World Investment Conference
In a significant step that underscores the UAE's prominence on the global investment map, the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), in collaboration with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and the UAE Ministry of Investment, has announced the 29th edition of the World Investment Conference (WIC). Marking its debut in Sharjah, the event will be conducted under a shared agenda with the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF), which will take place from October 22 to 24 at Expo Centre Sharjah. This international collaboration was officially formalised through a 'Host Agreement' in the presence of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, and Dr James Zhan, Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference (WIC). Signatories to the agreement included Mohammad AbdulRahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment; Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah; and Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA. Commenting on the strategic significance of the event, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said: 'Hosting the 29th edition of WIC in Sharjah reflects international confidence in the emirate's status as a leading destination for responsible and sustainable investment and underscores its readiness to convene global discussions focused on directing capital towards tangible development goals.' 'In Sharjah, we believe that the future of investment depends on striking a balance between economic growth and social development. For this reason, we are committed to ensuring that the international platforms we host provide opportunities to build partnerships that facilitate knowledge exchange, promote innovation, and deliver meaningful impact for both communities and markets,' she added. The decision to host the 29th edition of the WIC in Sharjah holds particular importance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of WAIPA. This milestone adds a commemorative element to the event, recognising three decades of advancing global investment and underscoring the critical role of investment promotion agencies in shaping both regional and international economic landscapes. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, said: 'The World Investment Conference taking place in Sharjah reflects the UAE's enduring commitment to shaping the global investment agenda. As WAIPA marks its 30th anniversary, this collaboration highlights our shared ambition to deepen cross-border partnerships and drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth.' Commenting on the collaboration, Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh highlighted that hosting global investment institutions in Sharjah will unlock a wide range of opportunities for local and regional business communities, facilitating greater access to expansive networks of cross-border partnerships. He stressed that the collaboration underscores Invest in Sharjah's ongoing commitment to equipping investors with the tools necessary for sustainable growth, while fostering a flexible and scalable development environment that adapts to evolving market dynamics and responds to both current opportunities and future challenges. In this context, Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA said 'Investment promotion agencies are the architects of global economic connectivity - they bridge nations, ideas and capital to generate lasting impact. As WAIPA marks its 30th anniversary, we are proud to bring the World Investment Conference to Sharjah.'' 'This conference is not just a celebration of WAIPA's legacy, but a platform for meaningful collaboration between the public and private sectors, where investors are matched with opportunities. Sharjah's hosting of WIC 2025 reflects its growing leadership in global investment discourse and its commitment to shaping the next era of responsible, resilient investment.' he added. Dr James Zhan, Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference, emphasised that the Conference is set to take place at the right time, in the right location, and with the right partners. He highlighted Sharjah as a unique and strategic destination for foreign direct investment. As a regional leader in attracting FDI, the UAE continues to strengthen its position among the world's top 15 investment destinations. The World Investment Conference arrives at a pivotal moment. In the face of global economic uncertainty and market volatility, the Conference aims to address pressing challenges while exploring new opportunities. It will serve as a vital global forum-bringing together the international investment community to shape a forward-looking strategy. It will chart a new path for promoting sustainable investment and shared prosperity in the new era of global economy. Since 2015, Invest in Sharjah has organised the Sharjah Investment Forum, establishing it as a leading regional platform for tracking global investment trends, identifying opportunities within the sustainable economy, and aligning with the direction of international capital and markets. Over the years, the forum has attracted prominent decision-makers, experts, and global investors, facilitating strategic discussions that support the development priorities of Sharjah, the UAE, and the wider region. Its integration of WIC reflects a strategic approach to enhancing its impact, widening the scope of discussions, and fostering meaningful partnerships across sectors and borders. WAM
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah to host 29th World Investment Conference
This international collaboration was officially formalised through a 'Host Agreement' in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, and Dr. James Zhan, Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference (WIC). Signatories to the agreement included His Excellency Mohammad AbdulRahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment; His Excellency Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah; and Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA. Commenting on the strategic significance of the event, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said: 'Hosting the 29th edition of WIC in Sharjah reflects international confidence in the emirate's status as a leading destination for responsible and sustainable investment and underscores its readiness to convene global discussions focused on directing capital towards tangible development goals.' 'In Sharjah, we believe that the future of investment depends on striking a balance between economic growth and social development. For this reason, we are committed to ensuring that the international platforms we host provide opportunities to build partnerships that facilitate knowledge exchange, promote innovation, and deliver meaningful impact for both communities and markets,' she added. A milestone marking WAIPA's 30th anniversary The decision to host the 29th edition of the WIC in Sharjah holds particular importance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of WAIPA. This milestone adds a commemorative element to the event, recognising three decades of advancing global investment and underscoring the critical role of investment promotion agencies in shaping both regional and international economic landscapes. His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment said: 'The World Investment Conference taking place in Sharjah reflects the UAE's enduring commitment to shaping the global investment agenda. As WAIPA marks its 30th anniversary, this collaboration highlights our shared ambition to deepen cross-border partnerships and drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth.' Commenting on the collaboration, His Excellency Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh highlighted that hosting global investment institutions in Sharjah will unlock a wide range of opportunities for local and regional business communities, facilitating greater access to expansive networks of cross-border partnerships. He stressed that the collaboration underscores Invest in Sharjah's ongoing commitment to equipping investors with the tools necessary for sustainable growth, while fostering a flexible and scalable development environment that adapts to evolving market dynamics and responds to both current opportunities and future challenges. In this context, Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA said 'Investment promotion agencies are the architects of global economic connectivity — they bridge nations, ideas and capital to generate lasting impact. As WAIPA marks its 30th anniversary, we are proud to bring the World Investment Conference to Sharjah,'. 'This conference is not just a celebration of WAIPA's legacy, but a platform for meaningful collaboration between the public and private sectors, where investors are matched with opportunities. Sharjah's hosting of WIC 2025 reflects its growing leadership in global investment discourse and its commitment to shaping the next era of responsible, resilient investment.' he added. Dr. James Zhan, Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference emphasized that the Conference is set to take place at the right time, in the right location, and with the right partners. He highlighted Sharjah as a unique and strategic destination for foreign direct investment. As a regional leader in attracting FDI, the UAE continues to strengthen its position among the world's top 15 investment destinations. The World Investment Conference arrives at a pivotal moment. In the face of global economic uncertainty and market volatility, the Conference aims to address pressing challenges while exploring new opportunities. It will serve as a vital global forum—bringing together the international investment community to shape a forward-looking strategy. It will chart a new path for promoting sustainable investment and shared prosperity in the new era of global economy. Sharjah's status on the global investment stage By hosting this prestigious global forum in tandem with SIF 2025, Sharjah reaffirms its status as a strategic regional hub for high-quality, sustainable investment. It also reflects the advancement of a dynamic environment that fosters innovation, expansion, and cross-border partnerships within the UAE's markets. The emirate provides a forward-looking business environment that fosters innovation, cross-border collaboration, and growth; and has emerged as a model for competitive business ecosystems, underpinned by advanced infrastructure, progressive regulatory frameworks, and an economic vision grounded in diversity and sustainability.
