Economic Crisis

Despite the ongoing controversy regarding President Barack Obama's endorsement of same-sex marriage, a new CBS News/New York Times poll that surveyed over 500 registered voters has found that only seven percent of respondents believe it will be a top issue this coming November.

Obama's comments may have disappointed those supporting the traditional definition of marriage, but according to the results of the poll, Americans are by far and wide mainly concerned with the economy – over 60 percent rated it as a top issue.

Among the concerns registered voters listed as caring most about, 62 percent chose the economy and jobs. In second place came a related issue – the federal budget deficit, with 11 percent of the votes. Health care, at nine percent, was also above gay marriage, which was at seven percent. Foreign policy was only chosen by four percent of respondents, and in last place came immigration with a two percent share. more >>

Bishop T.D. Jakes has started a new campaign offering free prescription drug discounts that will purportedly give patients up to 75 percent off medications at thousands of pharmacies across the country.

Jakes, who leads The Potters' House in Dallas, Texas, is promoting a pre-activated RxRelief Card that he argues can save struggling families hundreds of dollars a year on prescription medications.

"I am offering a FREE pharmacy discount card to you and your family. This is an opportunity you do not want to miss," the megachurch pastor said in a public letter. "With discounts on virtually every medication sold at over 500,000 pharmacies nationwide the RxRelief Card can save you and your family an average of $400." more >>

A new $50 million dollar initiative designed to help people and communities across the U.S. experience a day free of poverty is being launched this weekend by faith-based organization Convoy of Hope.

The initiative, called "The Convoy of Hope," is a two-year outreach tour across 50 states that seeks to unite churches, nonprofits, local governments, communities and others to assist individuals and families struggling to cope with economic hardship.

Convoy of Hope is a Christian nonprofit organization that has served over 50 million people in more than 100 countries around the world, but "The Convoy of Hope" tour was inspired by the growing levels of poverty at home – here in the United States. more >>

A "State of the Plate" survey released March 27 shows that donations to congregations, especially for megachurches, rose in 2011 – a sign, according to the research group, that the U.S. economy is indeed making a recovery.

"In the last four years of conducting this research, churches faced the greatest financial downturn of our lifetime. The majority of churches saw declines in giving. Fortunately, in the last year, half saw giving increase. The reasons for the turnaround are an improved economy, higher attendance and a growing commitment by churches to teach biblical financial and generosity principles through sermons, classes and materials. Electronic giving options also make faithful giving easier," a statement on the "State of the Plate" website concluded.

"Charities and churches were hit hard by the recession, but many are now beginning to see increased giving," surmised Brian Kluth, author, speaker and founder of the "State of the Plate" research in a statement. "A better economy, more Bible teaching on finances and generosity and a growing number of online giving options are helping many churches rebound financially." more >>

Congressman Hansen Clarke recently proposed the Student Loan Forgiveness Act to congress as an attempt to help boost the economy. While some are relieved at the prospect of having their loans forgiven, others have suggested that the bill will create less responsible youth.

The bill was proposed as an attempt to aid a struggling economy. Clarke wrote in the bill that its purpose was: "To increase purchasing power, strengthen economic recovery, and restore fairness in financing higher education in the United States through student loan forgiveness, caps on interest rates on Federal student loans, and refinancing opportunities for private borrowers, and for other purposes."

But some have questioned what kind of message loan forgiveness could pass on to young adults. more >>

Students facing heavy debts from student loans could be in luck with the Student Loan Forgiveness Act 2012, which could help improve the dilemma that many young people are currently facing.

The new bill was proposed by Congressman Hansen Clarke in March, and could mean massive savings for recent grads. As of late, many recent grads have been put in a difficult position. A struggling economy has made it difficult for inexperienced grads to compete for the scarce amount of jobs with others who have lost their jobs and re-entered the market backed by years of experience.

That is not the only issue that recent grads have had to face. Until the Obamacare plan was passed, many young people also lost insurance coverage after graduating from college and being removed from their parent's insurance plans. While many plans have been developed to help create new jobs in the economy, most overlook young people with little to no experience. Large loans also heavily impact credit scores. more >>