What Does Presidential Candidate Newt Gingrich Have to Say About Poverty?

Before Newt Gingrich was a presidential candidate, he was a Spotlight commentator.With the former House Speaker۪s announcement thisweek that he is seeking the Republican nomination for president OOTS readersmay want to revisit the commentaryhe penned for Spotlight in May2008.

 

In that piece,Gingrich writes about his experience with the 1996 welfare reform legislationand offers seven specific ideas to consider in the fight against poverty,including reducing crime, creating “opportunity zones” in struggling cities,reforming the prison system, and lowering taxes and limiting regulations onbusinesses. The commentary was in response to then-Senator Barack Obama’scall for an honest dialogue about poverty.

 

The NEWT2012campaign does not specifically address poverty on its website, but does call for a “prosperity plan”encompassing a “pro-growth strategy similar to the proven policies used when hewas Speaker to balance the budget, pay down the debt, and create jobs.” Thefocus of the plan is tax cuts and regulatory reform.

 

Postedby Amy

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Hereat Out of the Spotlight, we offer a behind-the-scenes look at the latest newsand information essential to anyone working to fight poverty. From keypolitical appointees to clashes over policy, we cover the news that doesn’talways make the evening news. Check out Out of the Spotlight for ourtake on the twists and turns of the latest political developments and theirimpact on poverty reduction. Topics and ideas are welcome! Just contact mlaracy@aecf.org or watersboots@hotmail.com