LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A new report says programs designed to fight poverty in Nebraska aren't working together to address the problem from all possible angles.
The legislative report issued Thursday says policymakers have traditionally focused on helping either children or adults, but not both at the same time.
The report says breaking the poverty cycle requires a focus on families as a whole through education, economic support and strengthening networks of families and neighbors. It says early childhood education should be paired with education for parents to help them find higher-paying jobs.
Sen. Kathy Campbell of Lincoln says many of Nebraska's programs are already in place, but need to be coordinated.
Sen. Heath Mello of Omaha says many of those affected are the so-called working poor, with parents stuck in low-wage jobs.
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