Illinois and other states garner praise for efforts to end poverty

Stateline.org reports that Illinois and 14 other states have received support and applause from the National Conference of State Legislators and the National Governor’s Association for their efforts to reduce poverty.

The Illinois Commission on the Elimination of Poverty is one of 15 states lauded for taking on poverty, a social problem that has been swept aside so often in the passed either because it was seen as being too unpleasant or because it was seen as a permanent and inevitable part of American society, and for making sure that the effort being put forth is based on an intelligent, comprehensive understanding of the construction of poverty in our society.

These state-wide initiatives propose to address everything from minimum wage, redefining poverty, access to education, as well as several other areas. This comprehensive approach is based on an understanding and appreciation of the interconnectedness of the many issues driving and sustaining poverty. Poverty, and the negative consequences of living in poverty will not be done away with by just expanding an Earned Income Tax Credit, or by just increasing supports for low-income workers. Rather it is by addressing both of these areas in conjunction with a number of other areas that we stand the best chance of helping people a life of opportunity that is their right as people.