New DPC Director Commits to Half in Ten Poverty Reduction Goal

Melody Barnes, President-elect Obama’s choice for director of the Domestic Policy Council, delivered a keynote address at LCCR’s recent national board meeting that affirmed the new administration’s commitment to cut poverty in half.

Barnes cited several specific Half in Ten policy proposals, including raising and indexing the minimum wage and increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit. With the recession likely to increase the poverty rate during the next several years, LCCR board members were pleased that the new administration considers the fight against poverty among the many priorities that cannot wait until the current crisis is addressed.