Date: 07/27/2009
Final
Lessons from Poverty Initiatives in Other States
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY POVERTY REDUCTION TASK FORCE
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09:32 AM -- Lessons from Poverty Initiatives in Other States
Ms. Jodie Levin-Epstein, representing the Center for Law and Social Policy, made a presentation, for context purposes, on issues affecting poverty in states throughout the country, and how other states are addressing these issues. Issues addressed included income disparity, the minimum wage, the impact of poverty on productivity, and certain factors that may contribute to poverty. Ms. Levin-Epstein also discussed some steps that may be taken to help reduce poverty, and the mission of the task force.
09:43 AM
Ms. Levin-Epstein continued to discuss the mission of the task force, and tied this discussion to efforts undertaken in other states and in the United Kingdom to reduce poverty. Ms. Levin-Epstein also discussed "silo busting," whereby private and public agencies are brought together to address poverty. Ms. Levin-Epstein then laid out five elements that the task force should address in meeting its poverty reduction goals, and provided specific examples of situations that prevent low-income persons from breaking out of poverty.
09:54 AM
Ms. Levin-Epstein continued to discuss elements to be addressed in meeting poverty reduction goals, including methods by which public agencies and the legislature may assist in reducing poverty. Ms. Levin-Epstein included additional examples of actions taken to help reduce the cycle of poverty. Ms. Levin-Epstein stressed the need to prioritize in establishing the actions taken to reduce poverty, and discussed how a task force can take on the challenge of poverty during a recession.
10:04 AM
Ms. Levin-Epstein returned to discussing efforts taken in other states to reduce poverty. Ms. Levin-Epstein responded to questions regarding the levels of success among states that have convened poverty reduction committees. Ms. Levin-Epstein responded to further questions regarding an article in the New York Times that rated Colorado poorly in providing a social safety net. Discussion ensued regarding the article. Discussion followed regarding the ability to measure poverty reduction in states that have undertaken this goal, and strategies for assessing poverty at the state agency level.
10:15 AM
The committee recessed.