LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Poverty is not merely a statistic; it is a daily reality for countless individuals in our community and beyond. In San Marcos, 27% of residents live below the poverty line. That is 19,000 of our neighbors. In Hays County, the poverty rate stands at 12%. Statewide, Texas reports a 14% poverty rate, exceeding the national average and ranking 11th among all states. Nationally, 11% of Americans—approximately 36.8 million people—were living in poverty in 2023. Globally, the World Bank estimates that 9.2% of the world’s population survives on less than $1.90 a day.
These numbers represent real people—families struggling to put food on the table, children without access to quality education, and individuals facing health challenges without adequate care. Research has consistently shown that poverty inflicts severe mental and physical harm. Chronic stress from financial instability can lead to depression, anxiety, and a host of physical ailments, including hypertension and heart disease.
History demonstrates that legislative action can alleviate poverty’s grip. President Lyndon B. Johnson, who himself grew up in the Texas Hill Country amid modest means, championed the “War on Poverty” in the 1960s. His administration introduced programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Head Start, which have lifted millions out of poverty and provided essential services to the underserved.
The triumph of escaping poverty is profound. It restores dignity, opens doors to opportunities, and fosters a healthier, more productive society. However, recent policy shifts threaten to unravel these gains. For instance, Texas leads the nation in uninsured children, with nearly one million lacking health insurance at some point in 2023. Additionally, the state’s rejection of a $450 million Summer EBT program has left many low-income families without crucial support during the summer months.
Amid these challenges, local organizations in San Marcos are making significant strides to combat poverty and support our neighbors in need. The San Marcos Lions Club, celebrating over 83 years of service, provides scholarships to local students and supports various charities, including the San Marcos River Foundation and the Greater San Marcos Youth Council. The Hays County Food Bank plays a crucial role in alleviating hunger, distributing over 1.3 million pounds of food and serving 55,435 households in 2023. Additionally, the Salvation Army in San Marcos offers assistance with utility payments, medications, and identification cards, ensuring that vulnerable community members receive essential support.
Addressing poverty requires renewed legislative commitment. In Maryland, Governor Wes Moore of Maryland has launched the ENOUGH initiative, a bold plan to end child poverty through community- driven solutions, including a $13.1 million investment in grants to tackle child poverty. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York introduced the Child Poverty Reduction Act of 2023 (S.2906), aiming to enhance poverty measurement and develop strategies to reduce child poverty. In Texas, Representative James Talarico authored House Concurrent Resolution 50, urging Congress to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour. Closer to home, Representative Erin Zwiener has been a steadfast advocate for public education, opposing private school vouchers that divert funds from public schools, thereby supporting equitable education opportunities for all students. On the national stage, Representative Greg Casar is actively drafting legislation to address the root causes of forced migration, such as poverty and violence in Latin America, aiming to reduce the number of people seeking refuge in the U.S. without undermining asylum policies.
We must urge our representatives to support and enact policies that confront poverty headon. By investing in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, we can ensure that the promise of prosperity is within reach for all Texans.
Poverty is not inevitable— it is a challenge we have the power to overcome when we act with compassion, determination, and solidarity. We have seen what works, from LBJ’s War on Poverty to the efforts of local organizations in our own backyard. Change does not happen on its own; it happens when people demand it, when neighbors stand together, and when leaders step up. Let us be those people. Let us be those neighbors. Let us demand that our leaders act. Because when we work together, we don’t just lift our families—we lift all of San Marcos, all of Texas, and all of America toward a brighter, more just future.
With hope & determination,
Chase Norris San Marcos
