Gwen Moore Responds to Paul Ryan Poverty Plan

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-4) released the following statement after her Wisconsin colleague, Congressman Paul Ryan (WI-1), unveiled his plan to reduce poverty.

"Poverty is a serious problem that touches far too many in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and throughout the nation. We must all engage in a serious dialogue and then act to ease the suffering of those we represent. I am pleased that Representative Ryan continues to bring his ideas to the table. I am grateful for his desire to positively address the problems in our prison system and assist low-income Americans through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC); although I disagree on how he would fund the EITC expansion.

"Unfortunately, it is clear that the overarching goal of his poverty plan is to ultimately cut our social safety net programs. When block granting is involved, all roads lead to cuts. Our vulnerable populations receive funding based on availability instead of need. Children, the elderly and people living with disabilities should not have to struggle in an evolutionary "survival of the fittest' environment.

"I urge my Wisconsin colleague to continue the dialogue on the most effective ways to eradicate poverty. However, if we are going to have a real impact in the lives of our constituents, we need to change the conversation. Our poverty programs are not broken. They should be strengthened, not diminished."

Congresswoman Moore is a member of the Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality, and Opportunity.

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