I believe that in order to end World Poverty, we must first end American Poverty. For the past 80 years, America has been the example to the world and what we do, so to goes the world. By passing extensive legislation, we can once again provide an example to the world of a new way forward. In the world as we know it, powerful nations have every ability to assist and address the needs of their citizens, yet many are forgotten. This can change with just a few simple adjustments to how we as US citizens view and confront poverty. All it takes is the will to step up.

I think that we should provide more public housing for rural communities across the state along with a work program to help people living in the public housing to begin saving for a place of their own. We should also focus on expanding economic education to 6 years in K-12 schools, starting with taxes, jobs, and resumes in middle school. In addition to adding more economic education, there should be a provision for where approved areas can be sectioned off for affordable housing only, different from public housing. These should be developed by small housing development companies rather than large corporations to promote a freer market to drive down housing costs.

Worldwide, a child under the age of 15 dies every five seconds, mostly of preventable causes that poverty worsens. The poverty rates in rural areas continue to exceed those in urban areas in several countries, including the United States, Romania, and Indonesia. A safe, decent, affordable place to live can make a real difference in the life of a family. Homeownership has long been the primary way for families to build wealth. Homeownership also offers stability because monthly mortgage payments are predictable whereas rents can increase year over year. A stable home is also very important for academic achievement. Children who change schools as their families move in search of more affordable housing can struggle to keep up academically.

SAY NO TO POVERTY!