Issues and actions in family policy

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The value of families in our society is indispensable, they are an essential component to the growth and success of our nation and because of this they should be regarded in policy reform and implications. As Bogenschneider so adequately describes, “In contemporary society, families are said to be the central element and source of greatest joy in the lives of the majority of Americans” (Bogenschneider, 40). One of the greatest focal points on the majority of political agendas is the protection and preservation of this source of joy. There are numerous policy implications that affect families, some negatively and some positively. The goal is to ensure that policies affect families in a positive manner, that these policies, whether implicit or explicit, initiate opportunity for growth and success for all families. In the following paragraphs I will outline a policy, which I believe to be essential to success for all families.
The economic inequality in our country is staggering and continues to stifle the success and security of the vast majority of American families. According to the Wall Street Journal, “the top 1% captured 19.3% of U.S. income in 2012. The only year in the past century when their share was bigger was 1928, at 19.6%;” additionally, “U.S. family income fell 6% in 2012 from 2002, according to the Commerce Department” (Lahart, Wall Street Journal). Looking at our state specifically, we can clearly see these inequalities. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities shows that inequality has worsened considerably since the 1970’s, were the poorest 20% saw an 18.4% increase and the middle 20% saw a 41.3% increase in incomes by household. Comparing those percentages with the staggering decline in income per household in...

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...ical Risks." Nytimes.com. N.p., 13 Feb. 2013. Web. 1 Dec. 2013.

6. McNichol, Elizabeth, Douglas Hall, David Cooper, and Vincent Palacios. "Pulling Apart: A State-by-State Analysis of Income Trends." Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. N.p., 5 Nov. 2012. Web. 30 Nov. 2013.

7. "Minimum Wage Laws in the States - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) - U.S. Department of Labor." Minimum Wage Laws in the States - Wage and Hour
Division (WHD) - U.S. Department of Labor. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2013.

8. "Minnesota Department of Health." Federal Poverty Guidelines. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2013.

9. Normandin, Heidi, and Karen Bogenschneider. Family Policy Matters: Instructor's Manual: Getting Your Point Across to Policymakers. Print.

10.. Snowbeck, Christopher. "Minimum Wage Bill Passes Minnesota House Committee."TwinCities.com. N.p., 28 Feb. 2013. Web. 02 Dec. 2013

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