OMB Director Shaun Donovan Meets with Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality, and Opportunity

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality, and Opportunity met with Shaun Donovan, Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Director Donovan and Members of the Task Force discussed the Administration’s efforts to address poverty in communities across the country.

“As the President prepares to unveil his final budget proposal, I was very pleased to have Director Donovan join the Task Force today to discuss what we can do to alleviate poverty and expand opportunity for millions of Americans,” stated Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer. “While House Republicans continue to pass budgets that attempt to reduce the deficit on the backs of low-income Americans and the most vulnerable Americans, House Democrats will continue to work with the President to invest in anti-poverty programs, grow the economy, and help families get ahead. I look forward to reviewing the specifics of the President’s budget when it is unveiled next week, and I thank Director Donovan for meeting with us today.”

“It was an honor to welcome OMB Director Donovan at today’s Task Force meeting. Throughout his career in public service, Director Donovan has been a tireless advocate for empowering families to lift themselves out of poverty,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chair of the Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality and Opportunity. “As we work to end poverty in America, Director Donovan and the OMB staff will be critical as Congress works to ensure the greatest investments in programs that create more ladders of opportunity into the middle class for struggling families.”

“I appreciate the leadership and commitment the Task Force has shown to the important work of reducing poverty, growing our economy, and expanding opportunity for all around the country,” said OMB Director Shaun Donovan. “While we have made progress helping millions of families become more economically stable, we can’t afford to leave any children or families behind. I am incredibly optimistic about what we can deliver for the American people in the year ahead and look forward to working with Congress to address these important issues.”

Launched in 2013, the Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality, and Opportunity works to raise the awareness of Members of Congress and the American people about the ongoing crisis of poverty, the positive human and economic impacts of effective poverty alleviation programs, and the need for a comprehensive national effort to eradicate poverty. The Task Force consults with key stakeholders and works closely with the Administration to develop support for strategies to eradicate poverty.