"While nearly everyone is in favor of the broad goal of college affordability, some experts wonder whether it is worth risking cutbacks in the Pell program for low-income students, a possible result of using more federal money to keep interest rates low on the Stafford loans, which are in wide use by middle-income students."
“Mr. Ryan lacked the courage to provide the details of how sharply his budget would affect popular programs like job training or state aid to education. That task, he says cynically, will be left to the appropriating committees in Congress. When a critic like President Obama tries to point out which programs will inevitably suffer when a broad category is sharply cut, Mr. Ryan’s allies, including Mitt Romney, rush in to claim that no such cut was specified in the budget. They want it both ways: to win support from those who don’t care about social programs, without ever having to detail the pain the cuts would cause.”
"Enrollment in the food stamp program grew substantially during the recession and immediately after, rising by 45 percent from January of 2009 to January of this year, according to monthly figures on the U.S.D.A. Web site. The stimulus package pushed by President Obama and enacted by Congress significantly boosted funding for the program as a temporary relief for families who had fallen on hard times in the recession."
Mitt Romney, who leads the race for the Republican presidential nomination, has said he would place similar restrictions on 'all these federal programs.' One of his rivals, Rick Santorum, calls the welfare law a source of spiritual rejuvenation. ‘It didn’t just cut the rolls, but it saved lives,’ Mr. Santorum said, giving the poor ‘something dependency doesn’t give: hope.’ President Obama spoke favorably of the program in his 2008 campaign — promoting his role as a state legislator in cutting the Illinois welfare rolls. But he has said little about it as president."
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Below are a list of policies from the candidate for issues related to reducing poverty and promoting opportunity with links to more information on the candidate’s website and, where applicable, their official government website.
Tax policyPresident Obama proposes to reform the tax code, close tax loopholes for the wealthy, cut the payroll tax for businesses and employees and make refundable tax credits permanent. Obama also proposes offering tax credits to businesses who hire veterans and currently unemployed workers.
>>Read more about President Obama’s tax plan.
Jobs PlanPresident Obama has proposed a jobs plan, The American Jobs Act, which includes reforming the unemployment insurance program, extending tax credits to small businesses, investing in infrastructure and expanding the payroll tax cut. The plan would also create a Pathways Back to Work initiative to help train workers and connect them with employers.
>>Read more about President Obama’s jobs plan.>>Read more about President Obama’s record on jobs and the economy
Health CareThe Affordable Care Act, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama, reforms the health care system in America. The Act will be fully implemented by 2014.
>>Read more about President Obama’s health care record. >>Read more about the Affordable Health Care Act.PovertyPresident Obama supports creating opportunity for all Americans by providing work supports to low-income Americans, expanding access to affordable housing, extending tax credits to low-wage workers and providing home visits to low-income, first-time parents by trained professionals.
>>Read more about President Obama’s record on issues related to poverty in America.EducationPresident Obama proposes expanding access to higher education through more federal financial aid programs and passing a student loan reform act for those with loan debt. Obama also pledges to reform the public school system in America and expand early childhood education.
>>Read more about President Obama’s education plan.>>Read more about President Obama’s education record. Spotlight has tracked what President Obama has said about poverty and opportunity during recent interviews.
>>Read quotes from President Obama from interviews with BET, ABC Nightline, the Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and the Morning Show with Tom Joyner.
If you read an article, saw a video, or found a policy statement from a candidate that you think should be included,
please email lauren@thehatchergroup.com to submit your request.