A two-generation policy agenda that promotes young children's development and low-wage workers' economic stability should start with a national focus on the first year of life, says Urban Institute fellow Olivia Golden. For every distressing national poverty statistic, the numbers for children are worse. While one-sixth of all Americans live in poverty and one-third live in "near poverty," with incomes below 200% of the poverty level, one fourth of children under age five are poor and nearly half fall are "near poor." a national focus on the first year of life. Golden’s agenda includes paid family leave, a minimum amount of paid sick leave, health insurance for low-income adults, improved access to high-quality child care, and more effective home visiting programs.
Source: Urban Institute, 5/9/13, Poverty Agenda
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