The following presents an issue brief in accordance with the framework presented by Ashleyßand Morrison (1995). Summary statement of the issue, a description of its background, a listing of the forces driving it, a projection of its future, and a projection of its implications for the organization (p. 113) are presented.
The issue is increased poverty in the United States, specifically increased child poverty. New poverty estimates showed that 13 percent of Americans live in poverty in 2004 (Mather, 2005). These rates varied around the country and ranged from 22 percent in Mississippi to less than eight percent in Connecticut and New Hampshire. Child poverty rates also increased to 18 percent (Mather, 2005; U.S. Department of Commerce, 2004).
Since 2000 there were 19 states that increased significantly in poverty rates; Mississippi and Idaho had the most increases in state poverty rates since the year 2000. Vermont was the only state that had a decrease in poverty rates since 2000. Child poverty rates increased from 2000 to 2004, going from 12 percent to 18 percent. Arizona was the only state with a decrease in child poverty rates and 17 states had significant increases since 2000 (Mather, 2005; U.S. Department of Commerce, 2004).
Poverty is defined by a family of four with less than $16,036 per year (Pacific Lutheran University, 2005). The forces driving this poverty include inadequate education or the lack of any education, family characteristics (divorce or splitting up, ethnicity), and business cycles (recession) (Pacific Lutheran University, 2005).
It is projected that increased poverty will lead to a lack of higher education for many. Of primary concern in higher education is the fact that poverty and education affect each other. A lack of education leads to poverty and poverty leads to the probability that the individual will not receive a higher education. This lack of education impairs e
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