The War on Poverty

Floor Speech

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Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, over the past four decades, the growth of upward mobility in America has stagnated despite the numerous programs and trillions of dollars spent on our efforts to reduce poverty.

In the wake of a stalemated war on poverty, we need to move beyond the status quo and, instead, look at the tangible impact that local leadership is having on the programs and concepts that they have created to help those who are struggling in our communities.

In other words, Mr. Speaker, we need to focus on what works. Our goal should be moving people out of poverty and up the socioeconomic ladder, and we can start by turning to our local nonprofit leaders that are working to defeat hopelessness and offering concrete and aspirational futures.

Look at AR Kids Read, the volunteer-based literacy initiative getting private sector volunteers into our elementary schools in Little Rock and Pulaski County and guiding third-graders to a successful future by working with them to assure that they read at grade level.

Let's look at Our House shelter in Little Rock, which teaches families who are struggling with homelessness how to make and sustain positive change.

Mr. Speaker, by prioritizing innovation and success in our community engagement, organizations like these--private, faith-based, and public--working hand in hand can offer our families hope, aspiration, and a roadmap toward the pursuit of happiness.

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