States adopt bold anti-poverty measures

This from Stateline.org:

As the economy falters and the ranks of the poor multiply, states for the first time in recent memory are mounting high-profile, comprehensive campaigns aimed at radically reducing poverty — many with an emphasis on children.

At least 15 states and the District of Columbia have created bi-partisan commissions to narrow the widening gap between the rich and the poor by eliminating barriers — such as lack of education, poor transportation and inadequate child care — that prevent many from finding better jobs and escaping chronic poverty. In addition, the states are working to help disadvantaged children in the hope of breaking the generational cycle of poverty.

“It’s striking how many states have taken on poverty as a top policy priority,” Jack Tweedie, poverty director at the National Conference of State Legislatures, told Stateline.org. “No one even used the word ‘poverty’ in the past. It was all about helping working families.” ...