Orange County residents Eduardo and Maria Contreras have worked hard to make ends meet. For a long time, they juggled rent, car payments, and the cost of raising two teenage sons — including college for the older one — while making about $50,000 a year. In 2019, thanks to Eduardo’s new job as a cook, they expect to make more than $80,000. But even with higher income, Eduardo told the Uncovered California news collaborative, “It feels like I’m caught in a vicious cycle.”