Pennsylvanians in poverty need government to get out of the way

Originally published in The Patriot-News

Who is in poverty—and why—is often mischaracterized by both the political right and left. Some blame the poor for lacking a work ethic. Others see the poor as victims who only more government programs can help.

But an accurate understanding of what poverty looks like in Pennsylvania—who it impacts and their experiences—is crucial for state lawmakers as they look for policy solutions that actually help, rather than hurt, Pennsylvania families. These solutions should focus on creating the conditions needed for prosperity, instead of growing the bureaucratic welfare apparatus.

Pennsylvania’s official poverty rate is slightly higher than the national rate, coming in at 12.1 percent, and the costs of welfare programs continue to surge—now making up half of total Pennsylvania government spending.

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