There is something happening here

We are in the midst of a crisis.  Changes are taking place in our state and our nation that look to undermine the dream of prosperity that our culture is built upon.  The gap between the haves and have-nots is growing at an alarming rate.  Poverty is turning into a national epidemic.  Washington State is no exception with 13.4%, or approximately 880,000 of our friends and neighbors caught in the grips of poverty.

Measuring poverty is complicated.  A 2007 Office of Financial Management (OFM) report details the problems associated with gauging poverty.  Two common indicators of poverty are income and social service caseloads.  Measuring poverty by income is difficult because the cost of living (healthcare, transportation, food, housing, child care etc.) changes depending on location and family size.  Depending on the method of measurement, there are conflicting reports of the rates of poverty in relation to income, ranging from 13% to 22% (with some counties reaching as high as 33%).  One common thread among income measurements is that poverty in Washington is following national trends and is rising considerably as a result of the lingering recession.  

In relation to social service caseloads, the OFM Data Book, a comprehensive collection of vital statistics about Washington State, indicates that caseloads for social service programs have steadily climbed since 2004.  Over the past seven years, there has been a 122% increase in demand for public assistance programs that help those struggling with economic hardship.  This increase has outpaced population growth which has grown only 14%in the past decade. 

Perhaps most alarming is the impact that poverty is having on children—one of the most vulnerable portions of our population.  The proportion of children living in poverty is not aligned with the state wide average.  18% of Washington’s children are living in poverty, almost a full 5% above the statewide average.  This population has grown steadily since 2007 and has reached a decade-long high, with trends most likely continuing to increase.

However, policy decisions can be made to ensure that individuals are given opportunities to break free from the cycle of poverty.  Social service programs and education help families and individuals move out of poverty.  Unfortunately, these public programs have been hit hard by the Great Recession.  Budget decisions, compounded by Washington’s volatile tax system, have taken a huge bite out of the very programs and services that act as a ladder for those continuing to struggle with economic hardship.  Downward economic trends cannot be completely avoided, but by rebuilding our tax system we can ensure greater stability and consistency in funding for public programs.