Taxes and the Immigrant Community
By Koula Glaros-King and Melinda Smith Yeargin, staff attorneys Just like American citizens, all immigrants and refugees are required to file a tax return and pay taxes if they meet income requirements. This includes immigrants with visa...
Lifting children out of poverty
The Brief Expansion of the Child Tax Credit by Dana Goldstein, staff attorney While the COVID-19 pandemic was a dark spot in our world’s recent history, it did bring some unexpected silver linings. Perhaps, as Plato said, necessity ...
Public benefits benefit the public
by Michelle Wrona Fox, managing attorney The concept of public benefits - the government giving aid to those who struggle to support or care for themselves and their families - finds its roots in the U.S. in the era of the Great De...
It's all connected: taxes, benefits, and family law
Understanding how family court decisions can impact taxes and public benefits By Darci Jay, staff attorney At Community Legal Aid, and in the broader social service arena, we understand now more than ever the importance of holistic se...
When getting more means some get less
Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) - more harm than good? By Sarah Wiley, staff attorney Every year, Social Security increases recipients’ monthly checks by a certain percentage to keep up with inflation. This year, the Cost of Living A...
Home for the holidays (part one)
The impact of housing instability on students by Shannah Cariño, District Homeless Liaison and McKinney Vento Specialist, Akron Public Schools “There’s no place like home for the holidays….” The beloved Christmas song couldn’t be more...
Expanding justice gap puts more Americans at-risk
by Steven McGarrity, executive director Gabe Clevenger was murdered by her estranged husband. On February 5, 2020, fearing for her safety, Gabe appeared in court before a magistrate and asked for a protection order. The magistra...
Thanksgiving: Welcomed at the table?
Immigrants, Refugees, and the story of the Mayflower by Koula Glaros-King, staff attorney Thanksgiving is intended to be a time for gratitude, giving, and togetherness. Most enjoy the holiday even knowing that its actual history bears little re...
Giving veterans the benefits they deserve - LGBTQ+ veterans and spouses
Benefits for LGBTQ+ veterans and spouses Kimberly Adams, law graduate and veterans advocate On the heels of the PACT Act (featured here in last week’s Big Ideas), even more VA benefit gaps were recently closed for veterans. This time,...
Advocates concerned veterans may miss out on benefits
Recent changes in VA benefits mean more veterans and surviving spouses qualify for help - but they may not know it. In August of this year, the PACT Act was passed, providing streamlined access to health care for veterans serving in area...