The Georgia Center for Opportunity’s 2019 Policy Handbook outlines a strategy for fighting poverty by strengthening three foundations of opportunity: education, employment and family stability. It argues that too many Georgians face barriers that prevent them from achieving financial independence and building better lives.

The handbook recommends expanding school choice, reducing occupational licensing requirements, creating more apprenticeships and reforming welfare programs that discourage work. It also calls for criminal justice reforms, greater access to healthcare and transportation, and stronger partnerships between businesses, nonprofits and community organizations.

The report offers a broader lesson for state policymakers: Reducing poverty requires more than government assistance. By removing barriers to work, expanding educational opportunities and supporting strong families, states can help more people achieve lasting self-sufficiency.

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Read More: Public Policies for a Thriving Georgia

The Georgia Center for Opportunity’s 2019 Policy Handbook outlines a strategy for fighting poverty by strengthening three foundations of opportunity: education, employment and family stability. It argues that too many Georgians face barriers that prevent them from achieving financial independence and building better lives.

The handbook recommends expanding school choice, reducing occupational licensing requirements, creating more apprenticeships and reforming welfare programs that discourage work. It also calls for criminal justice reforms, greater access to healthcare and transportation, and stronger partnerships between businesses, nonprofits and community organizations.

The report offers a broader lesson for state policymakers: Reducing poverty requires more than government assistance. By removing barriers to work, expanding educational opportunities and supporting strong families, states can help more people achieve lasting self-sufficiency.

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Read More: Public Policies for a Thriving Georgia