Lawmakers across the spectrum agree that poverty is a perennial crisis. But if they are ever going to come together to find an effective solution, they must first understand that poverty is not merely a money problem. Instead, poverty prevails in the absence of economic freedom.
That is the message we received from some of the 26 percent of Pennsylvanians with low incomes surveyed in a comprehensive, multi-year study that sought out the voices of those earning below 200 percent of the poverty line. This isn’t just one state needing a state solution—it’s indicative of the relationship between poverty and prosperity nationwide.
Ryan, who is unemployed, said the path out of poverty is clear: “It’s finding a good kind of job. I’ve been looking, but it’s hard, trying to find a job… that’s paying good, with my experience, that’s the problem.”
If poverty could be solved by money alone, the trillions of dollars federal and state governments have spent to eliminate poverty over the past 60 years would have done the job by now. If we want to get serious about lifting those living paycheck-to-paycheck, the solution is simple: We must create the conditions that increase the size and reach of paychecks.
“The income at my job would probably just be the biggest factor,” said Ethan, who works full-time as an insurance adjuster. “If that was higher, then, obviously, I could pay off my bills quicker.”
Pennsylvanians at the poverty line are more likely to say debt (46 percent) or taxes (29 percent) are
