Tackling Virginia's Poverty Crisis
02 July 2009
by Anai Rhoads
AnaiRhoads.org -- The general public will soon be able to provide recommendations on how to expand economic opportunity to those who are at or below the poverty line in Virginia.
This month, Virginia Community College System campuses statewide will be offered an opportunity to discuss the state's ever-growing poverty issue.
The state's Poverty Reduction Taskforce is asking the public, community leaders and local and state elected officials to join the conversation 18 July from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The meetings will take place simultaneously at 25 community college locations. Each person will be allotted a two-minute time slot for their presentation.
"This will be one of the largest conversations devoted to reducing poverty in our communities that Virginia has ever had," said Secretary of Health and Human Resources and Co-Chair of the Taskforce, Marilyn B. Tavenner. "The public has recommendations that need to be heard. That's why we're encouraging elected officials to attend, listen to constituent ideas and share their own."
According to most recent data, approximately 739,000 people - nearly 10 percent of all Virginians, live below the federal poverty line. This figure includes 232,600 (12.9 percent) of children under the age of 18.
In 2007, the federal poverty line was $10,210 in annual income for an individual or $20,650 for a family of four. Despite being considered among the 10 lowest poverty-striken states in the country, Virginia still has regions that are significantly more affected than others. The hardest hit include Southwest and Southside Virginia. Each carry a poverty rate of over 17 percent, with the exception of Montgomery county.
"Every community has its own strengths and economic challenges. The attitudes and people in Virginia are diverse, and the taskforce will benefit from casting a wide net for ideas," said Secretary Tavenner.
The Poverty Reduction Taskforce held the "Rethinking Poverty: Exploring Economic Opportunity for All Virginians" summit in May, and hopes the new meetings will allow a broader discussion on the crisis and further assist communities.
Former President Bill Clinton reformed welfare during his first term and created "welfare-to-work". This was said to benefit those in poverty by enabling them to be self-sufficent. However, during times of recession the programmes offered are now found to be vague. With so many people currently unemployed, the problem has reached far more than just the rural areas of Virginia.
Clinton's welfare reform only offers programmes like minimal access to food stamps, Medicaid and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
We can reduce poverty and unnecessary burden on families through collective action, such as initiatives for economic growth and education. Poverty robs young children of access to healthy meals and most suffer greatly during their first weeks of life. Pregnant women find themselves in situations where prenatal care is minimal and proper nutrition is scarce.
Teens run the risk of academic failure and have a higher prevalence of unwanted pregnancies. Some seek out ways to sustain themselves through illegal acts in order to survive.
Seniors are faced with the ultimate dilema – shelter, medication – or food. Families who are faced with poverty experience poor health, less access to medical care, emotional stress and domestic violence within the home.
Agents from the Virginia Cooperative Extension and Virginia Community Action Partnership are serving as facilitators. The Family and Children's Trust Fund of Virginia and NGA Center for Best Practices are supporting this upcoming initiative.
The Virginia Community College System, Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) are partnering to host and facilitate the conversations. These will be free and open to the public.
Public recommendations are strongly encouraged. To submit your ideas, please e-mail poverty@governor.virginia.gov to have your voice heard. The deadline is 13 July to inquire about special accommodations, such as visual or language assistance services (translation, sign or interpretation). The contact information for VDSS is 804-726-7106.
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