The recent presidential election has highlighted the stark contrast in the candidates’ focus on the center of their policies, particularly concerning poverty in America and the pursuit of the American dream.

Vice President Harris advocates for building an “opportunity economy” that aims to create pathways to the middle class and uplift working families, especially low-income workers, women, and people of color. This involves investing in public goods like affordable housing, paid family leave, and education.

On the other hand, former President Trump’s emphasis on tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations has perpetuated wealth disparity and failed to address poverty effectively. This approach has led to poorly paid jobs, inadequate benefits, and increasing inequality for most Americans.

The impact of these policy decisions is evident in recent poverty statistics released by the Census. Child poverty has increased, and the gender wage gap has widened in 2023. Although initiatives like the expanded Child Tax Credit in 2021 helped reduce child poverty rates, subsequent policy shifts erased those gains, resulting in a surge in child poverty for two consecutive years.

Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act primarily benefited corporations, resulting in increased profits for large companies like Walmart, Verizon, and Meta. Poverty is a consequence of policy choices made by our leaders, affecting the well-being of families and the prospects of future generations.

Efforts to eliminate poverty require a holistic approach, addressing the structural barriers faced by working individuals. Access to stable employment with fair wages, along with essential benefits like healthcare and housing, is essential in enabling upward mobility. Public investments in key areas like housing, family leave, and child tax credits are crucial in combating poverty and fostering economic security for individuals and families.

As the wealthiest nation globally, the U.S. has the resources to create equal opportunities for all its citizens. Ensuring the accessibility of the path to the middle class to everyone, not just a privileged minority, is essential for sustaining a robust economy and promoting national prosperity.

The stagnant state of poverty in America reflects our reluctance to implement progressive policies that cater to the needs of the marginalized. Outdated approaches focused on individual success narratives are insufficient in addressing systemic issues that contribute to poverty. Bold ideas and courageous leadership are necessary to bring about meaningful change and ensure that opportunity is accessible to all Americans, not just a select few.

Ultimately, the decisions made today will determine the nature of our country – whether it is a place where opportunity is abundant for all or confined to a privileged few.