According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, impoverished communities are 4.5 times more likely to experience gun violence. Addressing gun violence in our communities requires solutions that address a root cause of violence: poverty.

When we look at gun violence as a public health issue it's not hard to see that the vast majority of these tragedies disproportionately impact Black people and communities of color. Anti-poverty policies help address the legacy of racism that our Black neighbors endure today.

One anti-poverty policy called Universal Basic Income (UBI) has been proven to reduce violent and property crime. Cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Jamestown, NY have invested in UBI programs to alleviate the trifecta of racism, poverty, and violence. Yet there have been no substantial policy changes or solutions in Erie that address root causes of violence despite a child poverty rate of 44% and being home to the poorest zip code in the nation (16501). 

Our 20% increase in child poverty from 2005-2019 is a direct result of a lack of resolve among electeds to take bold action to invest in communities of color.

As a city we cannot be serious about reducing violence if we are not serious about addressing poverty. 

Tell Mayor Schember and City Council Members: Fund a UBI Pilot in Erie!