Government initiatives to address inequality

Examine how the government attempts to help families who are in need. Today we will… Examine how the government attempts to help families who are in need. Success Criteria…. I will be able to list what the government has done to reduce inequalities.

Government responses to inequalities Task You will need: A3 paper and pens Make a diagram which shows all the different policies that the US government has introduced to help those who suffer from inequalities. Government responses to inequalities

Low income, Housing & unemployment TANF – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TANF is a block grant that provides States, Territories, and native Tribes Federal funds each year. These funds cover benefits and services targeted at needy families. This a temporary cash programme, its aim is to encourage people to work- NOT TO HAND OUT MONEY!! It aims to help needy families with childcare, transportation and other things that will encourage people to find work or help them stay in work. Those behind the program believe that employment rather than benefits is the best route out of poverty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsIp7-Jy7qg

Education/ Low income/ Unemployment No Child Left Behind (NCLB) When Bush became president in 2000, he believed that too many public schools were failing their students. In response, the then Republican-led Congress passed the No Child Left Behind Act 2001. Bush hoped that by setting high standards in education and better tracking students progress, standards would be forced up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0--2nhsDorg For example: This Act requires schools within each state to reach a certain standard in basic skills if the state is to continue to receive federal funding for education.

Addresses Education & unemployment The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (2012) This acts invests heavily in education as a way both to provide jobs and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity. It aims to make improvements in teacher effectiveness and ensure that all schools have highly qualified teachers. It will improve achievement in low performing schools through support and effective interventions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VQYAkMD7HE For example: The Act provides $77 billion for reforms to strengthen elementary and secondary education.

Addresses Education & unemployment Race to the top Race to the Top has ushered in significant change in the US education system, particularly in raising standards. This initiative wishes to ensure that every student is ready for college and the work. Race to the Top has helped drive states nationwide to pursue higher standards, improve teacher effectiveness, use data effectively in the classroom, and adopt new strategies to help struggling schools.  For example: To date, President Obama’s Race to the Top initiative has dedicated over $4 billion to 19 states that have created robust plans that address assessments, data systems, support for teachers and increased support for low performing pupils.

Responses to Health Inequalities Obamacare The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act 2010 was introduced to increase the quality and affordability of health insurance, lower the uninsured rate and reduce the costs of healthcare for individuals The law also requires insurance companies to cover all applicants within new minimum standards and offer the same rates regardless of pre-existing conditions or sex. Obamacare - Youtoons

Obamacare Multiple surveys indicate the number of uninsured Americans has fallen due to expanded Medicaid eligibility and health insurance exchanges established due to Obamacare. For example: In July 2014, an additional 9.5 million people aged 19-64 had obtained health insurance, roughly 5% of the working-aged population. The uninsured rate among adults 18 and over fell from 18.0% in 2013 to 13.4% by 2014.

KU practice Describe, in detail, two ways in which the government of the world power you have studied has tried to tackle social and economic inequality. 6 11 mins