Launched in 2013, the Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality, and Opportunity works to raise the awareness of Members of Congress and the American people about the ongoing crisis of poverty, the positive human and economic impacts of effective poverty alleviation programs, and the need for a comprehensive national effort to eradicate poverty. The Task Force, which is chaired by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, meets frequently with key stakeholders, advocates, and Administration officials to identify root causes of poverty and support strategies and initiatives aimed at eliminating poverty with the initial goal of cutting poverty in half by 2023.
House Democrats strongly support policies that lift Americans out of poverty and provide them with more opportunities to access the middle class. By raising the minimum wage, supporting affordable housing, preserving critical nutritional assistance programs, increasing access to high-quality health care and education, and continuing efforts to create well-paying jobs here at home, more American families will have the resources and opportunities they need to attain the American Dream.