The Indicator from Planet Money The trouble with water discounts
Oct 10, 2024
Stephen Basaha, a reporter from the Gulf States Newsroom, shares his insights on the complex issues surrounding water pricing and access. He discusses the challenges utilities face in keeping water affordable while maintaining infrastructure. The conversation highlights a controversial water discount plan in Jackson, Mississippi, which threatens to cut vital welfare support for low-income residents. Basaha also explores the bureaucratic hurdles in enrollment for assistance programs, shedding light on the pressing need for reform in water affordability.
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Water Affordability
- Water is cheap in the U.S., around 1-2% of household budgets.
- However, for low-income households, it's closer to 7%, making rate increases difficult.
Jackson's Water Plan
- Manny Teodoro's blog post about leveraging existing welfare programs for water discounts influenced Jackson, Mississippi's water policy.
- The city's water provider adopted a plan based on Teodoro's idea.
Federal Roadblock
- The federal government challenged Jackson's plan, citing privacy concerns regarding access to SNAP data.
- They threatened to cut Mississippi's SNAP benefits.