Pitts Holds Conference to Find Solutions to Inequality and Poverty

Statement

This morning in Reading, Pa., Congressman Joe Pitts held a conference to discuss solutions to the problems of inequality and poverty. The conference featured national experts and local leaders with discussion from the audience.

"My goal for the conference was to have a frank and productive discussion about how to make sure people in our community have more economic opportunity," said Pitts. "One conference can't solve entrenched problems, but I feel like today was a good step in the right direction. Leaders on every level, in and out of government, have to stay engaged and keep seeking innovative solutions."

The conference included a keynote address by Dr. Mark Funkhouser, former mayor of Kansas City and Executive Director of the Governing Institute. Dr. Funkhouser then joined other local and national expert on two panels titled "Economic Inequality -- Causes and Cures: Is A New Approach to Poverty Needed?" and "Barriers to Wealth Creation -- How Can the Poor be Empowered to Achieve Success?."

"For our entire history, our country has been the land of opportunity. People came here with almost nothing and built good lives for themselves and their families," said Pitts. "Too many Americans are feeling like this kind of success isn't possible today. I think we can regain our sense of optimism, but it's going to require the same American ingenuity that built this nation."

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