Center for Poverty Solutions

Poverty loses when human dignity prevails

America has lost the War on Poverty. After nearly 60 years and $12 trillion, the poverty rate remains stuck between 11% and 15%. We’ve focused on making poverty more bearable rather than helping people escape a trap that lasts for generations. We’ve created dependence and taken people’s dignity and purpose. There are better ways to treat people, and we will bring free-market solutions to one of the most important policy issues of our time through the Center for Poverty Solutions, starting in Chicago. Together, we can defeat poverty and build self-worth.

Ehi Aimiuwu

“After high school, I wanted to do something related to tech. I ended up going to Prairie State College. I already had one kid at the time. I ended up dropping out because I got into a really bad relationship.” “The relationship ended up causing both of us to be homeless. I was in and...

The Rev. Charles Moodie

“I’m originally from Yonkers, New York. I’ve been married 23 years to my wife, Kehinde, and I have two sons: Joshua, who is 23, and Josiah, who is 21.” “When we were in New York, my wife and I believed Chicago is where God wanted us to be. So, my wife and I resigned our...

The Policy Shop: The real causes of – and solutions to – Chicago poverty

This edition of The Policy Shop is by Bryce Hill, director of fiscal and economic research Chicago voters soundly rejected raising taxes on businesses and renters March 19 when they told Mayor Brandon Johnson they didn’t trust his lack of a plan to “Bring Chicago Home.” Johnson still didn’t seem to get the message, even...

Vallas: 8 ways to fix Chicago housing crisis without Johnson’s tax hike

Now that Mayor Brandon Johnson’s real estate transfer tax has failed, here are eight practical ways Chicago can provide more affordable housing without raising taxes.

By Paul Vallas

Fabian Santiago

“I was arrested and framed for murder four days after turning 16 years old. I have an ongoing multimillion-dollar lawsuit.” “To this day, the U.S. Attorney’s office hasn’t produced one criminal prosecution of this crew, but at the time in Humboldt Park there was a group of detectives who were basically running as a criminal...

Sherronda Booker

“2020, after volunteering at my children’s school for so long, I was offered a job in the lunchroom. I think the wage was maybe $13 an hour. I am also a licensed cosmetologist who was not actively doing hair because I was more focused on raising my three children.” “$13-an-hour was not enough to live...

The Policy Shop: Chicago’s poverty paradox

This edition of The Policy Shop is by Head of Policy Joshua Bandoch. When President Lyndon B. Johnson told the U.S. Congress in 1964 he was declaring the War on Poverty, he did not set out a vision for an America in which over $12 trillion in taxes would be spent over more than 60 years to...

Common-ground solutions to empower Chicago’s poor: A model for America’s cities

By Josh Bandoch

Matt Nalett

“Even though it’s a crime against property, it’s still taking away peoples’ livelihoods."

The Policy Shop: Too much government licensing hurts jobseekers

This edition of The Policy Shop is by Director of Policy Research Joseph Tabor. If you are going to fly a plane filled with passengers, you should prove you are capable and be licensed. If you are going to cut open a person and prevent more heart attacks, again, you should prove your skills and...

Less than 1/3 of Chicago grads complete college in expected 4 years

Research finds less than one-third of Chicago Public Schools graduates earned their bachelor’s degree in the expected four years compared to nearly half nationally. That means more are likely to live in poverty.

By Hannah Schmid

Illinois makes it tough for poor to become barbers, makeup artists, manicurists

Personal care services such as cutting hair can be one of the more welcoming professions for those stuck in poverty. But Illinois imposes a heavy burden before they can get to work.

By Joe Tabor

Illinoisans rely on food stamps for Christmas dinner

This holiday season, nearly 2 million Illinoisans will rely on federal food assistance. Illinois is eighth in the country for highest reliance on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

By Dylan Sharkey

Blue Pacheco-Cornejo

"“With all the student-athletes I work with, my goal is to get them to understand the importance of using that work ethic in everything; not just basketball."