Title
Appointing a Legislative Advisory Committee on Poverty.
Body
WHEREAS, poverty has a significant impact on long-term learning, health, participation rates in community life and future economic potential of Saint Paul
residents; and,
WHEREAS, almost 25% of Saint Paul
residents live in poverty, compared to 11% in the 7-county Twin Cities region and 38% of children age 17 and younger live in poverty, about 25,000 kids; and,
WHEREAS, annual median household income is $48,855 compared to $68,261 for the Twin Cities 7-county region; and,
WHEREAS, 39% of Saint Paul households have annual incomes under $35,000 and 53% under $50,000; and,
WHEREAS, 41.8% of African Americans, 30.9% of Asians and 27% of Hispanic or Latinos
residing in Saint Paul live below the poverty level; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council held a working session on reducing poverty in the City of Saint Paul on June 22, 2016 where experts in the field provided insight and guidance on the best ways to eliminate poverty; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council is inte
rested in identifying and implementing collaborative strategies to reduce poverty in the City; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council believes that Saint Paul must employ a broad-based, collaborative and comprehensive poverty reduction strategy to coordinate efforts and engage all city staff, government entities, non-profit and the private sectors towards reducing poverty; and,
WHEREAS, under Section 3.01.8 of the City Charter, the Council has the authority to establish a legislative advisory committee to develop policy recommendations to add
ress poverty in the City of Saint Paul; and finally,
THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED that the City Council hereby appoints a Legislative Advisory Committee on Poverty, as per Section 3.01.8 of the City Charter, and to be charged with the duties to:
1. Examine and assess the causes of poverty in the City of Saint Paul;
2. Develop 3-5 policy recommendations aimed at lowering the city’s 25% poverty rate and build heal...
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