Summary: On Tuesday, the U.S. Census released its report on Income and Poverty in the United States: 2020, showing that incomes and earnings decreased and the poverty rate increased for the first time in five years, with the highest increase among people under the age of 18. The report covers the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the sharp recession it caused.
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Anna Gassman-Pines
Quote:
“Today’s census poverty measure release shows that government support for families during the pandemic was hugely successful in reducing poverty,” says Anna Gassman-Pines, professor of public policy at Duke University.
“These government investments likely reduced the stress of economic uncertainty during the pandemic, helped financially stabilize families, and enhanced parents’ capacity to support their children’s development.”
Bio:
Anna Gassman-Pines is an associate professor of public policy, psychology and neuroscience, whose research focuses on low-wage work, family life and the effects of welfare and employment policy on child well-being.
For additional comment, contact Anna Gassman-Pines at:
agassman.pines@duke.edu
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Lisa Gennetian
Quote:
“Public policy can reduce the harmful effects of income loss and negative ripple effects of stress associated with economic uncertainty,” says Lisa Gennetian, an applied economist who studies child poverty and the impact of anti-poverty programs. “Government transfers can protect children from poverty.”
Bio:
Lisa Gennetian is an applied economist who studies childhood poverty and how it shapes personal development. She is also a professor of early learning policy studies in Duke’s Sanford School of Public Policy and a faculty affiliate in the Center for Child and Family Policy.
For additional comment, contact Lisa Gennetian at:
lisa.gennetian@duke.edu
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Jackie Ogburn
(919) 613-7315; jko@duke.edu
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