Public Policy And Poverty Essay

It has become increasingly apparent that our nation's poverty rate is determined in large part by how a nation's governing authorities distribute economic and other resources amongst the population, i.e. public policy. This essay will examine how poverty and public policy themselves are the primary determinants of our nations poverty rates. By increasing the lack of education and employment skills offered to our communities, is it enough to make a dent in the poverty rate? Those living in poverty generally have less education and fewer employment skills than those not living in poverty. The proposed solution to this problem is providing greater educational opportunities and opportunities to improve employment skills. Many American families have jobs but they are jobs that don’t provide enough income to support family expenses. Sometimes they are working multiple jobs to make ends meat. Our nation needs to invest in quality jobs. Public policies could be changed in a few different ways in order to accomplish this. Offer bigger tax breaks to companies that offer higher wages. If this was the issue when I ran a small business I would have been able to afford to offer people higher wages in order to take advantage of the tax break. As a business owner there were not enough tax breaks. This would have benefited not only myself but my employees as …show more content…
It is the interaction of these characteristics with public policy that leads to poverty. Reducing poverty requires public policies that equalize the distribution of economic wealth and other resources. Our government officials need to be more in touch with people in poverty. Possibly organizing a team to evaluate the real benefits that would empower our poor. Allow their voices to be heard and invite participation within this group so that we can get a true picture of what benefits will really help them. Make them a part of the solution not just the