Statement on the War on Poverty

Statement

Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement on the War on Poverty:

"Fifty years ago President Lyndon Johnson stood before Congress and declared our country would fight a war on poverty. In response we created, Medicare, Medicaid, Head Start, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Jobs Corps and other programs. They have been incredibly effective: without federal anti-poverty programs, twice as many Americans would live below the poverty line today. Our country has made progress but we still have work ahead of us.

"We must win the war by making needed investments. We need to extend unemployment insurance so that those struggling to find work have the support they deserve in a time of need. We must raise the minimum wage so that with higher wages, workers can provide for their families. Most importantly, we must address the growing income inequality. The gap between the very wealthy and everyone else has grown dramatically, diminishing the middle class and forcing more families into poverty.

"Our work is not over and I will continue to fight the war on poverty."

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