By Megan Burks
Study Supports Ending Fingerprinting of Food Stamps Applicants
A study by the Public Policy Institute of California gives ammunition to a bill that would end the state’s policy of fingerprinting food stamps applicants. The study confirms what lawmakers and advocates of the bill have been saying—the practice keeps people in need from signing up.
According to the study, CalFresh participation would increase 7 percent and administrative costs would decrease 13 percent if the state stopped fingerprinting. Some lawmakers, however, say they practice is a necessary measure to prevent fraud.
The bill has passed the state legislature and awaits a signature from the governor.
Follow California Watch @CaliforniaWatch.
Attorney General Says San Diego’s Transit Planners Can Do Better
The San Diego Association of Governments has proposed to spend $200 billion on transportation during the next 40 years, with much of the work being done to freeways first.
Transit advocates say they’d like to see trolley lines and bus routes expanded first. According to voiceofsandiego.org, state Attorney General Kamala Harris agrees the plan could use some refining.
In a letter to SANDAG last week, Harris said she doesn’t believe the region’s strategy to decrease greenhouse gas emissions goes far enough. State legislation calls for a statewide reduction; San Diego must cut is emissions 7 percent by 2020.
Supporters of the current plan say it will exceed that goal.
Follow Adrian Florido of voiceofsandiego.org @adrianflorido.
Cost-saving Measures Could Hurt Latino and African American Seniors Most
Congress is considering whether to raise the age at which individuals qualify for Medicare to 67. Some lawmakers say the move is necessary to trim the nation’s deficit and keep the government-sponsored health program afloat.
A study by Latinos For a Secure Retirement says raising the age would shift burden to the state and local governments, employers and patients. Latino seniors would be hit the hardest, the group told Fronteras Desk reporter Ruxandra Guidi.
According to the U.S. Census, 90 percent of Latino and African American seniors are considered financially vulnerable and often haven’t saved for retirement.
Such vulnerability is also a concern for groups against altering Social Security, which has become a topic of debate for Republican nomination hopefuls.
A commentary on New American Media says changing Social Security risks doubling the number of African American seniors living in poverty. It says the fund actually has a surplus and can sustain payouts through 2036.
Follow Fronteras Desk for news from the nation’s southwest @fronterasdesk.
New Technology Center Open on University Avenue
A new technology center is open to City Heights residents at 4305 University Ave., Suite 130. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the San Diego Futures Foundation will provide workshops, technical support and low-cost equipment and software there.
For technology opportunities for small businesses, follow DiverseCity Tech @diverscitytech.