Working on Poverty: Five Conclusions From States

1. Working on Poverty: Five Conclusions From States Christine Nelson National Conference of State Legislatures Denver, Colorado 303.856.1651 Christine.nelson@ncsl.org

2. National Conference of State Legislatures • National, bi-partisan association for state legislators and staff in all 50 states • Provide information and technical assistance • Publications • Host Meetings • Provide a federal lobbying presence for states

3. Other Poverty Efforts • United Kingdom: Established a goal to reduce poverty by 50 percent in 2001; child poverty has dropped from 19% (2001) to 11% (2006) • Connecticut: Reduce Child Poverty by 50 percent in 10 years (began in 2004) • Vermont: Reduce Child Poverty by 50 percent in 10 years (legislation passed 2007) • Delaware: By Executive Order in August, created the Child Poverty Task Force with the goal of reducing child poverty by 50 percent in 10 years • Colorado: In the process of creating a Child Poverty Task Force, lead by members of the legislature

4. 1) State Strategies Should Include a Focus on Three Distinct Groups: • Families Living at or near the Federal Poverty Level Federal HHS poverty guidelines 2007 • $17,170 for a family of three • $20,650 for a family of four • Low-income families – 200% of poverty level • $34,340 for a family of three • Deep Poverty - less than one-half the poverty threshold • $10,325 for a family of four For Discussion: What "poverty" is the Commission working to end? What measure for poverty will the Commission set? Are "cliff effects" significant for Minnesotans living at or near poverty levels?

5. 2) Government Alone Cannot Eliminate Poverty Stakeholders must include: • Employers • Community-Based/Advocacy Organizations • Faith-Based Institutions • Higher Education • Local Government • "Community Culture," particularly in rural areas For Discussion: What is the role of the Commission in engaging stakeholders? Who are the stakeholders currently at the table? Who is missing?

6. 3) Long-Term Negative Outcomes for Children Living in Poverty are Significant The next four slides compare adult outcomes for children who lived in poverty in their early childhood years. • Years of Education • Adult Earnings • Overall Health • High Distress • Arrests (men) • Teen Births (women) Source: The Economic Costs of Poverty:Subsequent Effects of Children Growing Up Poor, The Center for American Progress, Harry Holzer, Greg Duncan, Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach & Jens Ludwig

11. For Discussion • What does this data tell us about the overall cost of poverty in Minnesota? • Is the goal of ending poverty important to Minnesota citizens?

12. 4) Don’t Forget Single Men. • Few government benefits are afforded to single men living in poverty. • Financial stability leads to family stability, which is ultimately good for children. • New York City: Expanding the state EITC to include eligible single men For Discussion: To what extent should state government play a role in helping families become financially stable? Is there a role for state government to encourage family stability?

13. 5) Career Pathways Are Critical. • Job training programs need to be specific and responsive to local industry need. • Job training programs need to be quick and focused (traditional higher education programs are much too long)--customized training. • State coordination between industry and education is important: Is there alignment between training and opportunity? • A ladder up is essential. For Discussion: Is poverty in Minnesota viewed as an economic development issue, or a human services problem?

14. Wrapping Up and Moving Forward: A Process Framework • Goal Setting • Stakeholder Building • Comprehensive Review of Possible Policy Options • Defined outcomes, with key indicators and benchmarks for success • Communications Plan • Clear Institutional Structure