Networks reporting the new census data on poverty are quoting Ford School professors, Kristin Seefeldt and Luke Shaefer, highlighting the policy impacts on poverty. Here are some recent Seefeldt and Shaefer mentions in the media on poverty.
“The Nagging, Unnecessary Persistence of Child Poverty,” The New Republic, September 13, 2024- Seefeldt told The New Republic “We do have policy mechanisms in place to really do something about the number of people experiencing poverty and [who are] low income... in some ways, we’re making choices about how important lowering poverty really is as a nation.”
“Household income popped to prepandemic levels in 2023” The Hill, September 12, 2024- Commenting on the loss of pandemic rescue measures, Seefeld stated “A lot of what we’re seeing is mechanical, based on how pandemic-era aid and inflation are counted in the [SPM] but not the [OPM]. For people, the loss of those benefits can be really meaningful, especially when we know the cost of food is rising. This has real implications for families’ ability to put food on the table."
Kristin Seefeldt was quoted in both The Washington Post and Associated Press for her statements on the rise in income reported in the census data. "The good news is there's been a 4% rise in income, but it's also true that families are facing financial challenges. Rent has gone up so much; groceries are more expensive; the price at the pump is higher."
“Poverty in the U.S. increased last year, even as incomes rose, Census Bureau says” USA Today, September 10, 2024- Luke Shaefer expressed his disappointment in policymakers rolling back the expanded child income tax credit. “Today’s annual census data release is a stark reminder that child poverty in this country is a policy choice. We have proven solutions to address this crisis."
