Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland-Tune has been named director of the Ecumenical Poverty Initiative (EPI), an anti-poverty ministry led by an active partnership of ecumenical leaders from diverse denominational, geographical, racial, and ethnic backgrounds, which adds a prophetic voice and collective action to the fight to end poverty. Dr. Copeland-Tune, who has been serving as the […]
Major Ecumenical Bodies Raise Concerns About House Republicans Poverty Plan
Leaders of faith-based organizations are responding to the plan released by House Speaker Paul Ryan and the House Republican Poverty, Opportunity and Upward Mobility Task Force with appreciation for the effort made to alleviate poverty but with deep concerns about the negative impacts some of the plan’s policy recommendations would have on the nation’s […]
EPI Co-Sponsors Senate Hearing on CFPB’s Proposed Payday Lending Rule
The Ecumenical Poverty Initiative was a co-sponsor of a briefing for Senate staff on small-dollar loans, including payday, auto title, deposit advance products, and installment loans. Rev. Sekinah Hamlin, EPI’s director, was one of the speakers at the briefing, which was held on Monday, June 13 in the Dirksen Senate Building. EPI is urging […]
EPI Calls on CFPB to Strengthen Payday Lending Rule
Washington, D.C., June 14, 2016—The Ecumenical Poverty Initiative (EPI) has applauded the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) release of a rule that would govern payday lending and curtail predatory practices that have resulted in a vicious cycle of debt for low-income borrowers. In a briefing for Senate staffers yesterday about the proposed rule, EPI […]
A Gift for Low-Wage Capitol Workers
EPI Director Rev. Sekinah Hamlin and Presbyterian Church (USA) Office of Public Witness Director Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson co-authored asking for justice for Capitol workers and an hourly wage of $15, fair working conditions and the right to engage in collective bargaining. Click here to read the op-ed.
EPI stands with Capitol workers for a living wage; featured in NY Times and Politico
We’re proud to stand with capitol workers for a living wage! We’re also grateful that the issue of low-wage labor is finally getting the media attention it deserves in conjunction with the Pope’s visit. Check out these pieces from the New York Times, Politico, and the Huffington Post.
Income Inequality in Perspective
Over at Visualizing Economics, Catherine Mulbrandon has an excellent visualization of income inequality in 1975 and then again in 2010: And here they are side by side for easier comparison:
Presidential Candidates Speak About Poverty
The Ecumenical Poverty Initiative has worked with leaders in the Circle of Protection to convince presidential candidates to record short videos explaining how their administrations would address poverty in the United States. Today, we’re pleased to release videos from the eight candidates who responded to our request. Currently, we’ve received videos from the following candidates: Hillary […]
Good Jobs Nation Rally Prompts Executive Action (Video)
Yielding to pressure from workers and religious leaders, President Obama has signed an executive order that establishes procedures to evaluate the labor records of federal contractors. Companies that violate worker’s rights through wage theft, poor pay, or unsafe working conditions will no longer be able to win federal contracts. Below is a video from the […]
Women in the Low-Wage Labor Force: Moving in the Wrong Direction
Women make up a disproportionate and increasing share of the low-wage labor force, according to a new report from the National Women’s Law Center. The report, “Underpaid and Overloaded: Women in Low-Wage Jobs,” shows that Women make up two-thirds of the low-wage work force – jobs paying under $10.10 per hour – despite making up […]
