Maureen Lane
Education Access Delayed is Access Denied
Deepa Fernandes interviewed me on the 6:15 a.m. spot on WBAI this morning. I welcomed the opportunity to bring a new perspective to the policy discussion and I had few things left to say. Poverty is rising in New York. The census bureau figures show that statewide child poverty has risen to 20 percent. In New York City, child poverty has risen to 31 percent. There are 2.8 million people living in poverty in NYS and millions more just above poverty levels. Employment and income statistics all reaffirm education as a route out of poverty. Yet, access is denied to the most vulnerable.
I was able to share with Deepa's listeners that almost 90 percent of the women receiving welfare who attain a college degree move permanently from welfare and route of poverty and take their families with them. The same studies show that parents who advance in education and training have a positive impact on their children. In addition to increasing household income, the model of pursuing education leads children to do the same.
Right now, some in government want to be praised just because 54 percent of NYC high school students are graduating in 4 years. What about the 46 percent who are not graduating? We know that a vast number of students in the public school system come from families that receive public assistance. At WRI, (Welfare Rights Initiative) we work with students who evidence the struggle it is for teens from poor families to graduate for high school and get into college. There are students right now being told college is not for them. What thinking politician could support anything other than access to education for all, including people receiving welfare? How can we get our education and welfare policies in line with our values and economic realities?
New York City can start today. A first step: just implement the laws already on the books.
Maureen Lane: Author Bio | Other Posts
Posted at 7:41 AM, Nov 03, 2005 in Education | Welfare
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Comments
I agree that education is the best way out of poverty for not only the potential student but for their family as well.
A greater emphasis should be placed on implementing our current laws, as Ms. Lane stated in her Bolg entry, and holding politicians accountable when this is not done.
Oversight by Government in seeing that laws are implemented as written is essential for progress to be made.
Politicians pat themselves on the back with a hard fought campaign for laws to be written only to push on with other matters once that law is passed.
Proper political ownership of the laws passed is essential.
Too many politicians think their job is done when they push through legislation. However, the one who follows through with their agenda will certainly get my vote.
Posted by: christopher L. | November 3, 2005 03:22 PM
An inter-departmental, interdisciplenary Comprehensive Plan is needed, so that things get done and money is not wasted; and we don't end up having human rights sanctions brought against the United States for it's failure to take timely action in the practicing of democratic principles (or human rights laws) with historically oppressed peoples within its own borders.
A comprehensive plan with all key stakeholders could be in place within the next 90 days...if we were really serious. It really does not take that long, especially if everybody who is a decision maker is at the table at all times. Plan development with outcomes and timelines, as well as budgetary lines could take place in 60 days and public review 30 days with all comments considered and turned around in less than 60 days. With final enactment y within 6 months of when planning first began. If people do not want to come to the table... then we need to ask as American Taxpayers...What are you being paid for? If not to be cost-efficient civil servants meeting the needs of American citizens in a timely manner that ensures democracy.
Posted by: Reverend Michele P. Ellison | November 7, 2005 02:48 PM