Poverty In The United States Essay

Government policies in the United States have contributed to the increase in poverty since the 1960’s. This essay will describe the policies involved in the increased poverty rate. Followed by an explanation of why these policies contributed to a rise in poverty. In conclusion there will be a break down on the attempts made to reduce the poverty rate since the 1990’s. As was discussed in class lecture, President Kennedy was the first president to address the issue of poverty. Following his assassination, President Johnson continued Kennedy’s legislation and declared “war on poverty.” Trailing a time of prosperity from the 1950’s, citizens felt stable and generous. It was easier for President Johnson to get support for programs to decrease

For a period of time these programs were successful, the implications were not seen until later. Prior to the 1960’s, citizens of the United States did not depend on the government to meet their basic needs. They had to look elsewhere, they would turn to their family, their church, or their community. Once the programs to stop poverty were implemented, many citizens went from being self-sufficient to depending on the government for support. Instead of being a temporary support to help people get on their feet, it became a permanent sustentation. Not only for that one generation, but subsequent generations. For example, single moms found it more cost effective to stay on government assistance, making it difficult for her children to stay out of poverty without the assistance of a welfare program. Plus, there was significant costs to these programs, putting a considerable burden on taxpayers. Those at the bottom of the middle class bracket were pulled into the lower class bracket from the trickle down effects of higher taxes and increased price of goods organizations invoked to cover the increase in minimum wage. Instead of moving those in poverty to middle class, the reverse happened and many middle class folks slipped below the poverty