Crime and poverty relate to social welfare programs because the programs target
criminals and people living in poverty to help them. The textbook states that “crime also
appears to be related to poverty, unemployment, low levels of education, marital
instability, drug abuse, and race” (Bowman & Kearney, 2018, p. 425). People that fall
under crime or poverty at some point or another turn to the government for assistance,
“through federal, state, local, and nonprofit social welfare and health care programs”
(Bowman & Kearney, 2018, p. 452).
Virginia is the 10th largest state living in poverty. The population in Virginia living in
poverty is 865,691 which is 10.6% of the population. They are highly concentrated in
inner cities and along the state southern and southwest borders, with growing clusters
in suburban areas. Analysts believe that the populations are children (13.8% poverty
rate)-especially those in female-headed households, those over age 85 (27% poverty
rate), and those with disabilities (19% poverty rate). These factors that most influence
whether one is likely to live in poverty are educational attainment, household type, and
the number of full-time employment incomes in the household. From a policy-makers
perspective, I believe it would be wise to make sure our government administration is up
to date on its localities, Congress must support sustained, bold public investments in
programs that support people living in and on the edge of poverty. The best pathway out
of poverty is well-paying jobs. Virginia must create 5.6 million new jobs. We must raise
the minimum wage. This can lift four million Americans out of poverty. We must ensure
equal pay for working women. Establish work schedules that work. It is possible for Our
government in Virginia two dramatically cut poverty, but we need to build, become
proactive, expand opportunities.
Where Insights Advance Affordability. HousingForward Virginia. (2022, January 19).
Retrieved February 12, 2022, from https://housingforwardva.org/
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