Wheres the “Bailout” for the Millions of Women and Children Falling Deeper Into Poverty?
December 01, 2008 By Pat Reuss, Policy Analyst for NOW As national leaders hurry to address the current economic crisis and “rescue” irresponsible banks, insurance and mortgage companies, there has been little recognition that this economic downturn is likely to have a particularly devastating impact on poor families, mostly women and children. The rising unemployment could push between 7 and 10 million workers into poverty according to a report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities released November 24, 2008. In 2007, 12.5% of the population, or over 37 million people, lived below the poverty line and the Center warns that number could increase to up to 47 million. NOW endorses the Center’s recommendations for a temporary increase in food stamp benefits, additional rental assistance through the housing voucher program, expanded and improved TANF contingency fund, expanded and extended unemployment benefits, and significant fiscal relief to states. But this list is incomplete