Bipartisan Senate Duo Launch the Economic Mobility Caucus

In the wake of Occupy Wall Street, politicians from both sides of the aisle talked at length about economic mobility and income inequality. Nevertheless, it۪s always a surprise when genuine bipartisanship emerges, which is why OOTS was encouraged to see U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) come together to form the Economic Mobility Caucus.

According to Senator Moran۪s website, the Economic Mobility Caucus will “serve as a clearinghouse for ideas and information” to help Congress assess the efficacy of government policies in promoting economic mobility. The caucus is also intended to “identify areas of agreement among the Members of Congress.”<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office” />

 

In individual statements, the Senators explained their motivation to create this bipartisan group.

Senator Moran:

 

“Our country has historically been a place where, regardless of one۪s background, anyone can achieve success through hard work. The ability to move up the economic ladder helps create a dynamic society where individuals are free to reach their full potential. Senator Wyden and I have created the Economic Mobility Caucus to provide Members of Congress a forum to discuss the policies Washington needs to pursue to make certain our children and grandchildren can live in an America that allows them to dream big and pursue those dreams.”

 

Senator Wyden:

 

“Economic mobility should be no more partisan an idea than the American dream itself. There are great ideas for improving access to the American dream out there and there are even more yet to be created. As a policy-maker, I want to hear those ideas and use the best of them to improve the lives of every American. That is the goal of the Economic Mobility Caucus and with the support of my partner, Senator Moran, my other Senate colleagues and Americans of every political stripe that goal is within our reach.”

Recently, The Washington Post columnist and Spotlight Advisory Council member Michael Gerson also weighed in on this issue, stating in a webcast, “We have a problem where if you look at the studies, mobility for the American middle class is still considerable.” But Gerson agrees that consensus is important to solve the problem, noting, “[T]he question becomes how do you come up with some common ground solutions that encourage the skills and habits and social capital that۪s necessary for people to dream and succeed in American society?”

 

OOTS is always glad when officials from both sides of the aisle come together for an important dialogue about economic mobility, and will keep close track of this new caucus to see what, if any, role it plays when Congress takes up issues relevant to economic opportunity.

Posted by Sarah
__________________________________________________

Here at Out of the Spotlight, we offer a behind-the-scenes look at the latest news and information essential to anyone working to fight poverty. From key political appointees to clashes over policy, we cover the news that doesn’t always make the evening news. Check out Out of the Spotlight for our take on the twists and turns of the latest political developments and their impact on poverty reduction. Topics and ideas are welcome! Just contact mlaracy@aecf.org or watersboots@hotmail.com