Rebuilding America's Lower Ninth

When Katrina devastated the Gulf States last year, the hurricane alerted the nation to a state without borders, a state whose geography extends beyond the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans—it is the State of Poverty, America’s undeclared disaster area. As part of our State of Poverty initiative, the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law is coordinating media outreach events between August 21 and September 1, 2006, in a campaign called “Rebuilding America’s Lower Ninth.”

When Katrina devastated the Gulf States last year, the hurricane alerted the nation to a state without borders, a state whose geography extends beyond the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans—it is the State of Poverty, America’s undeclared disaster area. As part of our State of Poverty initiative, the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law is coordinating media outreach events between August 21 and September 1, 2006, in a campaign called “Rebuilding America’s Lower Ninth.”

This year, during the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the eyes of the world will again face New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward. What has happened over the last year? In a moment of promise, when President Bush visited New Orleans last September, he talked about the “deep, persistent poverty” seen on television after Hurricane Katrina. “That poverty,” he said, “has roots in a history of racial discrimination, which cut off generations from the opportunities of America. We have a duty to confront this poverty with bold action.” Almost one year later, no commission has been appointed, and there are no signs of a program, plan, or proposal to fulfill this duty.

While many debate the need for a stronger federal response, 37 million people are sinking in poverty. The time for bold action has come. We believe that the following principles are the core of what the federal government should do to address poverty and change the system for the better. 

  • The federal government must level the playing field by enforcing civil rights laws.
  • The federal government must lead when states fail or lack the resources to meet socioeconomic needs. 
  • The federal budget should fund initiatives that can lead to better economic results for low-income people.
  • The federal commitment to fighting poverty ought to counter the cycles of boom and bust; as the economy declines, funding for antipoverty programs should increase.
  • The federal government should force states to account for how they use antipoverty funds.

Tax policy must reflect our values and generate enough revenue to support antipoverty programs.

We cannot hope to deal adequately with a severe natural disaster without substantial federal involvement. Nor can we deal with the severe social disaster of deep, pervasive poverty without significant federal intervention.

The Shriver Center addresses the issues and factors causing poverty. Our efforts are improving the lives of low-wage workers, helping families advance toward economic security, and preserving communities of opportunity throughout our country. We are fortunate that we are not alone. As we look to constructive policies to move people from poverty to prosperity, we are asking you to lend your voice and your solutions to this season of outreach and public education. Join us in “Rebuilding America’s Lower Ninth” and take action to end poverty in every community