The American policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic had a rare positive outcome in reducing child poverty. However, recent Census Bureau data reveals a significant increase in poverty rates in 2022, including a jump from a record-low 5.2 percent to 12.4 percent in child poverty.
This increase can be attributed partly to inflation and partly to the termination of pandemic-era programs that had made significant progress in reducing child poverty. This demonstrates that addressing child poverty is a deliberate political decision rather than an unavoidable circumstance.
While some pandemic-era social safety net measures remain in place, others are set to end soon. One such measure is the child care funding boost provided by the American Rescue Plan, which is slated to end this month. The cancellation of this program could lead to the closure of over 70,000 child care programs, leaving 3.2 million children without care and causing many parents to drop out of the workforce.
Investing in child care has broader economic benefits as it supports families, promotes economic growth, and reduces turnover for employers. Therefore, it is crucial to find a more permanent solution to the child care crisis after the stopgap measure proposed by U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand expires in five years.
In addition to child care, food aid is also at risk. The reduction in pandemic assistance has not alleviated hunger or improved affordability of groceries. Instead, it has placed a greater burden on food banks, which are struggling to meet the increased demand. With new work requirements for food stamp recipients and the possibility of further cuts to the program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) faces significant challenges.
Furthermore, House Republicans are threatening to shut down the government in order to undo the spending deal reached earlier this summer. This reveals a callous mistrust of fellow Americans and a reluctance to provide assistance to those who may need it. It is crucial to prioritize stable families, as they contribute to a stronger economy and safer communities. While improvements can be made to the safety net, dismantling it entirely is not the solution.
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