State Targets: Child Poverty Reduction Targets Set By U.S. States
Fifteen states have created bi-partisan commissions to identify strategies for reducing poverty. Of these states, six have set specific targets for reducing poverty, as presented in the following table:
State |
Indicator |
Reduction Target |
Connecticut |
Child Poverty Children living below the federal poverty threshold |
50% by 2014 |
Delaware |
Child Poverty Children living below the federal poverty threshold |
50% by 2017 |
Illinois |
Extreme Poverty Children living below 50% of the federal poverty threshold |
50% by 2015 |
Minnesota |
Overall Poverty Individuals living below the federal poverty threshold |
End poverty by 2020 |
Oregon |
Overall Poverty Individuals living below the federal poverty threshold |
Reduce from 12.1% to 10% |
Vermont |
Child Poverty Children living below the federal poverty threshold |
50% by 2015 |
A multitude of policy strategies are being discussed and pursued under these initiatives, including strategies to promote higher wages, tax relief, asset building, adult education, training, and work supports such as assistance with child care, transportation, and housing. More information on these state initiatives is available at www.clasp.org.