Government initiatives to address inequality

1. Government initiatives to address inequality

2. Today we will… • Examine how the government attempts to help families who are in need. Success Criteria…. • I will be able to list what the government has done to reduce inequalities.

3. Task You will need: A3 paper and pens Make a diagram which shows all the different policies that the US government has introduced to help those who suffer from inequalities. Government responses to inequalities

4. Low income, Housing & unemployment TANF – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families- 1996 • TANF is a block grant that provides States, Territories, and native Tribes Federal funds each year. These funds cover benefits and services targeted at needy families. This a temporary cash programme, its aim is to encourage people to work- NOT TO HAND OUT MONEY!! • It aims to help needy families with childcare, transportation, laundry, medical supplies and other things that will encourage people to find work or help them stay in work. • Those behind the program believe that employment rather than benefits is the best route out of poverty. Transitional services are also provided t help families become independent such as GED preparation and classes in basic English. For example, TANF if available for a maximum of five years to encourage single parents to return to the workforce. As TANF focuses on offering support for employability and childcare. In 2017 for every 100 families in poverty, 23 received assistance from TANF.

5. Education/ Low income/ Unemployment Every Student Succeeds Act- ESSA- 2015 When Bush became president in 2000, he believed that too many public schools were failing their students. In response, the then Republican-led Congress passed the No Child Left Behind Act 2001. This has since been replaced by ESSA. This act has been modified not completely replaced. Every Student Succeeds Act was passed in 2015 to ensure public schools provide a quality education for all kids. Under ESSA states have more say in how schools account for student achievement particularly focussing on the attainment of pupils in poverty, from minority groups, pupils who receive specialist education and those with limited English language skills. This also provides parents with more of a say. This act is to directly impact the educational inequality which exists between these groups. For example, a primary goal of ESSA is to provide all children regardless of race, gender and ethnicity with the tools needed to progress to higher education . Career and counselling support services should be available to all children to positively map out their future.

6. Addresses Education & unemployment The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (2009) This act was developed in response to the great recession of 2008. Signed by President Obama. ARRA wishes to save existing jobs and create new ones. This temporary relief programme would provide relief for those most effected by the recession and invest in infrastructure, educational and health. Money was invested in many different areas of public services/provisions to ensure those who were most vulnerable post recession were given the necessary support. For example, $77 billion went directly to education $31 billion went to college affordability and $34 billion went to school modernisation. For example, $1.5 billion was given to help 1.3 million people to help them avoid homelessness.

7. Addresses Education & unemployment Race to the top-2009 Race to the Top has ushered in significant change in the US education system, particularly in raising standards. This initiative wishes to ensure that every student is ready for college and the work. This initiative was funded as part of ARRA. Race to the Top has helped drive states nationwide to pursue higher standards, improve teacher effectiveness, use data effectively in the classroom, and adopt new strategies to help struggling schools. States had to apply for this federal funding and compete to win. Schools had to outline their plans moving forward which would provide a high quality level of education. For example: To date, President Obama’s Race to the Top initiative has dedicated over $4 billion to 19 states that have created robust plans that address assessments, data systems, support for teachers and increased support for low performing pupils.

8. Responses to Health Inequalities Obamacare The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act 2010 was introduced to increase the quality and affordability of health insurance, lower the uninsured rate and reduce the costs of healthcare for individuals The law also requires insurance companies to cover all applicants within new minimum standards and offer the same rates regardless of pre-existing conditions or sex. Obamacare - Youtoons

9. Obamacare Multiple surveys indicate the number of uninsured Americans has fallen due to expanded Medicaid eligibility and health insurance exchanges established due to Obamacare. For example: In July 2014, an additional 9.5 million people aged 19-64 had obtained health insurance, roughly 5% of the working-aged population. The uninsured rate among adults 18 and over fell from 18.0% in 2013 to 13.4% by 2014.

10. KU practice Describe, in detail, two ways in which the government of the world power you have studied has tried to tackle social and economic inequality. 6 11 mins

11. One way the American government has tried to tackle health inequality is through Obamacare. The Affordable Care Act was put in place to try and ensure many more people could access healthcare insurance at lower costs and expand existing coverage. For example, under Obamacare children can stay on their parent’s health plan until the age of 26 instead of 21.