Assemblywoman Elizabeth Maher Muoio (D-Mercer/Hunterdon) released the following statement Friday on the new report issued by The Anti-Poverty Network of New Jersey and the John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy, titled “The Cost of Poverty: The Perpetuating Cycle of Concentrated Poverty in New Jersey Cities.”
“Today’s report documents what so many of us serving these communities see firsthand: the vicious cycle of entrenched and concentrated poverty drains cities of their resources and impedes progress in areas of education, health outcomes, and employment.
“Reducing the burden of poverty is a first and necessary step toward economic development and neighborhood revitalization. I will continue my commitment to action on the state level to address these critical issues and look forward to using this study, in partnership with state and local stakeholders, as a blueprint for future action.
“I want to thank the Anti-Poverty Network of New Jersey and the John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy for facilitating such a detailed and thorough study,” said Muoio.