One out of five families did not experience the benefits of the recent economic boom, and the disparity between affluent and low-income families continues to grow. In addition, the rising costs of quality health care, housing, child care, education, and transportation continue to outpace the incomes of more and more families. The neighborhoods in which many low-income families live are often not adequately connected to the technology and support networks necessary to achieve self-sufficiency and success.  

Cities and towns are directly and immediately affected by the poverty of their citizens as they must continue to fund public safety, education, and other social services with a tax base that is under attack due the crisis in the housing market, a sluggish economy, and new or proposed limits on taxing authority.   

Federal, state, and local governments must pursue comprehensive policies to ensure that children and families of all income levels can achieve success through quality education and training for today’s economy, adequate transportation to and from employment, and access to affordable and quality health and child care. Support for programs at all governmental levels that support and build financially stable families must be a priority.

Visit our Candidate Issue Matrix to find out where the candidates stand on Poverty Reduction & Economic Opportunity.