Just over 50 years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson delivered his State of the Union address and made a pledge to the nation. "This administration today, here and now, declares unconditional war on poverty in America," he said.
Johnson didn't live long enough to see the end of the War on Poverty...and neither have we. Poverty continues to be a big problem in the United States and right here in Connecticut.
What is the poverty level today? The federal government says it's just over $23,500 for a family of four - hardly enough for a comfortable life. For an individual it's around $11,000!
What's the best way to reduce the number of people in poverty? What has worked to help people who are struggling?
Note: There is a short weather update at the beginning of the show from NBC meteorologist Ryan Hanrahan.
GUESTS:
- Jennifer Klein - Professor of History at Yale University
- James Gatling - President and CEO of New Opportunities Inc. and Chair of the Connecticut Association for Community Action
- Amos Smith - President and CEO of the Community Action Agency of New Haven, Vice Chair of CAFCA, and President of the New England Community Action Partnership
- David Morgan - Vice President of TEAM, Inc. and President of the Connecticut Head Start Association