Our local newspaper, “The Charlotte Fishwrap,” recently ran an article about low-income mothers. The author spelled out all the problems low-income mothers face, including low paying jobs, childcare, medical costs, and especially lack of “support” from the state/county.
If an uneducated, unskilled, unmarried, young mother is struggling to support her kids, then according to this author, it is the state’s fault. He says, “low-income mothers have been placed in an untenable position” by the State of NC.
Nowhere in the article does the author place blame on the mother, nor responsibility. The author says the State must provide higher wages, child tax credits, food stamps, Medicaid/universal medical insurance, childcare, family leave, and unemployment benefits to mothers. And this does not count Biden’s Stimulus payments and rent payment moratoriums.
I do not agree! If the State of NC provided all of those services, mothers would not work. They would “net” more income staying at home.
Family planning, family structure, parenting skills, and education are the answers. Read just one essay from James Heckman, Nobel Prize Economist. Low-income mothers are mostly Black and living without husbands and the husband’s income. Just having dual incomes per family would solve many of these problems.
Education of women is an excellent long-term solution. See below.
I believe this chart is a very good summary. The State of NC should put support $$$$’s toward the education of low-income women. Help young women avoid pregnancy, graduate high school, learn a skill or trade, choose life partners carefully, and live healthy lives. This is possible! It just requires education and learning.
High Truths and Low Lies 