Ending poverty must be a top goal

With the midterms fast approaching, we must remember that one of the greatest threats to democracy is poverty. Democracy cannot thrive without economic stability for its citizens. That’s why those who crave power hoard their money. When prosperity is shared, power is harder to concentrate.

That’s why it is essential that the new Congress this January puts ending poverty at the top of its agenda. Ensuring people are safe from hunger, disease and economic upheaval must be paramount. Instead of giving tax cuts to billionaires, lawmakers can expand the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Child Tax Credit so families can eat and pay rent.

Instead of funding conflicts around the globe, lawmakers can fund the fight against diseases like tuberculosis and malaria, which kill millions every year. When we invest in people, we make ourselves and our democracy stronger.

For the candidates running for election this November, will you pledge to make ending poverty your top priority from Day One? Our democracy depends on it.

Donna Barrett, Buffalo Grove