Ending Child Poverty

In the newsletter of Voices for Illinois Children (Fall 2006; www.voices4kids.org) Voices President Jerry Stermer addressed the issue of ending child poverty (quoted in part)...

"Six years ago, England decided to end child poverty by 2020. The federal government formulated and embraced the challenge and engaged a broad range of community organizations, businesses, and individuals in the initiative, which includes a specific timetable and measurable goals. Policies focus on ensuring that economic growth is reaching the poorest families by boosting incomes, providing affordable child care, preparing children for school, and improving family supports such as public housing and job training. Though the effort missed its first interim goal of a 25% reduction by 2005, child poverty was actually reduced by 17%. That's 700,000 fewer English children living in poverty in just five years.

"America is characterized by our ability and willingness to tackle challenges. We abolished slavery and sent the first men into space. We drastically reduced poverty among the elderly with Social Security and Medicare. Ending child poverty can be our next big challenge, one that has already been taken up by a few states, including Minnesota and Connecticut....

"Whatever it takes, we need to do it. Our children need this. We all need this. Let's make it happen. As architect Daniel Burnham said, 'Make no small plans. They have no magic to stir humanity's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work.'"

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