The poverty level in the United States has risen an alarming amount due to the economy, and other factors that have a tendency to go unnoticed. On average a household in America earns less than it did in 1997 when inflation in accounted for. Poverty is defined as “at or below an income of $22,314 for a family of four,” (Fletcher, U.S. Poverty reaches 15.1 Percent) and the number of families living this way in the US is astounding. The possible causes are multiple and the solutions range in size and practicality. For example making it easier for the less educated to get jobs. Regardless of why this is happening, and what can be done to aid the solving of it one thing is for certain, poverty levels are at a record high and something must be done.
The United States is at a very sensitive place in its history because of the most recent recession, and because of this the level of poverty has increased dramatically. The poverty rate in America has increased to 15.1 percent, making it the highest it has been since 1993 (Washington Post). Why this is happening has been under debate for quite a while, and multiple answers have surfaced in speculation as to the cause. One of these believed causes is the tax cuts that the government has put into place in order to aid the citizens of America who make more that two-hundred and fifty-thousand dollars annually. (Washington Post) While it seems like a good idea on the surface it is certainly a double-edged sword because though it is easier for those wealthier people to hold on to their money, it is nearly impossible for the government to help those in poverty without the revenue gained from those taxes. It was assumed that these people would use their extra money to stimulate the economy therefore having the wealth move its way down to the poor and less wealthy but this was not the case. The rich just held onto what they didn’t pay in taxes and this money never saw those who truly needed it.
Though these tax cuts are a probable cause of the increase in poverty levels other reasons have been stated as well such as the fact that it is nearly impossible for a person living in America to find a job in this country without a college education. Being an educated human being is a highly coveted title that many Americans strive for every year but the issue is that a higher education is painfully expensive for people of all economic classes. Those who are fortunate enough to be able to afford one often go onto a career and make money enough to support a family, or so is the ideal. However, life for others who aren’t as economically well off is not as promising. There are very few well paying jobs available for those who cannot afford an education and because of this it is easy for many people to fall into poverty. Without a college degree getting a job that will pay well enough to survive above poverty is a far off dream. “We need teachers and principals who are paid better for better performance, but also valued for their long hours and dedication to students and learning. We need better parents ready to hold their kids to higher standards of academic achievement. We need better students who come to school ready to learn.” (Friedman U.S.G. and P.T.A.) Though this cannot all happen at once these things are a reachable goal that could be a major part in decreasing the poverty level in America.
Active students and teachers who are good at their jobs are not the only solution to the poverty issue that is sweeping all of America. Policies need to be instated by the government in order to help those who already live in poverty and to prevent others from falling into the same situation. Policies like this are in the process of being created. For example Half in Ten which seeks to renew the TANF Emergency Fund which is used by multiple states to provide 250,000 low-income and long-term unemployed laborers with subsidized jobs thus generating income for them and their families. If more policies like Half in Ten are instated then the odds of a decrease in the massive poverty level is completely possible. (vanden Heuvel, As 44 million Americans live in poverty, a crisis grows)
With causes like tax cuts and lack of employment options for those who cannot afford a college degree it seems that the problem with poverty should be an easy fix but sadly these are only a few possibilities that barely scrape the surface of the poverty issue in America. Every day children are starving and parents are struggling to feed their families. Yes it is quite possible that it is no fault but their own but it is also possible that the crash in the economy took a toll on them or any other number of causes forced them into the situation they are in. Regardless of how or why those who are living in poverty got where they are it is clear that they are in desperate need of aid from a country in crisis.