A new analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities puts a significantly different picture. According to the study, benefits often associated with the poor are now flowing largely to the middle class with the bottom fifth of American households now receiving approximately 32% of entitlement programs.

Additionally, the study also dispels the demographic assumptions associated with entitlement programs. The distribution of benefits no longer aligns with the composition of those living in poverty. African-Americans, who make up 22 percent of the poor, receive only 14 percent of government benefits—a figure that is closer to their 12 percent population share.

White non-Hispanics, who make up 42 percent of the poor, receive 69 percent of government benefits – again, much closer to their 64 percent population share. 

This data presents policy makers a far different picture than what is commonly thought of by the general public. It is clear entitlement programs have shifted away from addressing those most in need and have been broadened upward. Does this make sense? Is this the direction we need to be taking?

*Dr. Michael O. Adams, Ph.D. is a professor at the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at the Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.

From a public policy perspective—2012 will continue three trends that have the potential to transform American society.

EDUCATION REFORM

2012 will see the continued prominence of the education reform movement, particularly the emergence of charter schools and a new more aggressive form of “charter-style” public schools that have adopted high academic standards for all students. Accountability models that emphasize student performance as the basis for evaluating teachers will continue to exist—as long as a new emphasis on vocational and workforce training in public schools. In Higher education, the use of online education will continue to expand, with more and more programs utilizing user-friendly electronic platforms.

eGOVERNMENT

In the aftermath of historic layoffs in the public sector—Governments in general, and local governments in particular will place an even greater emphasis on technology and the development of eGovernment tools as a means to maintain and increase work productivity in the public sector in light of fewer employees. For several years the promise of eGovenment and electronic platforms as tools to improve customer service and data acquisition has been slow in development. In an environment of diminished resources and fewer employees, 2012 could be the year eGovernment takes center stage.

ENERGY TAKES CENTER STAGE

Energy independence and environmental sustainability will be concurrent goals. As job creation in the new Green economy continues to develop, a greater emphasis on sustainability in all facets of development—transportation, economic development, and housing will become more prominent. Developing long-term policy solutions will be a focus of policy makers both locally and nationally.

*Dr. Michael O. Adams, Ph.D. is a professor at the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at the Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.

A recent report by the Brookings Institution has brought into clear focus the stark reality of the current conditions many communities in Houston now face. Poverty and deteriorating living conditions are persistent and growing in many parts of our traditional inner city.

Exacerbated by rising unemployment, a lack of affordable housing throughout the city and virtually no retail and economic drivers in these communities, already strained populations have been debilitated by the prolonged recession.

In the story “More people living in poor neighborhoods” (Page B1, Nov. 3) the Chronicle highlights one of the proactive solutions that Texas Southern University is proud to be part of – the redevelopment of the historic Deluxe Theatre on Lyons Ave. into a multipurpose educational complex. That effort is a solid first step to bringing more opportunity and vitality into the distressed Fifth Ward community. But for redevelopment efforts to catch hold, it will require a comprehensive and sustained effort in the Fifth Ward and other inner-city communities.

While the causes of poverty are systemic, we as a community have to come together to develop solutions that can assist these neighborhoods while enhancing economic opportunities for the entire city. The reality is that the city as a whole can never fully prosper if persistent pockets of poverty and hopelessness exist. Our society will rise and fall collectively.

Here are the areas on which our community needs to focus:

Education: Any effort of revitalization must begin with dramatically improving educational opportunities within high-poverty communities. National studies have for years shown the correlation between educational level and income. A review of Houston Independent School District graduation rates and college readiness in several inner-city communities indicates that dropout rates in the historic Fifth Ward, Third Ward and other inner-city neighborhoods are far in excess of the state average. A comprehensive effort to keep students in high school has to be a priority. One solution that has to be explored is greater linkage between the K-12 system and schools of higher education. Community colleges, Texas Southern University and other local universities can assist in the effort in helping keep students in school through mentorship programs, dual credit and helping develop a new curriculum that better reflects what students want and need to be successful at both the college and work level.

Economic development: The lack of commercial retail has to be addressed if communities are to be given a chance to survive. Retail is often the single largest employer in a neighborhood. The anchor of that system is the large-scale grocery store. The simple fact is that in high-poverty communities, these types of stores simply do not exist. These food deserts have received increased notice by policymakers, but little has been achieved locally in food access for these communities. The effect of this has been catastrophic both economically and from a health perspective. Two recent initiatives may offer some hope on this issue. Walmart, in an initiative championed by first lady Michelle Obama, has agreed to locate 300 new grocery stores throughout the U.S. in traditionally underserved communities. Local policymakers can assist and encourage companies like Walmart to select Houston through more aggressive use of tax abatements and other incentive programs. Local government must play a role in making this work. Abatement agreements such as the one recently reached between the city of Houston and Kroger to locate a store in a nondistressed community need to be utilized in underserved communities to create incentives for grocery stores to be located in low-income neighborhoods. The other initiative, announced by the University of Texas at Austin through its University Co-Op, is the development of a grocery store located on the edge of campus to serve the university community. Texas Southern University has a presence in many high-poverty communities in Houston. It could serve as a linchpin for a cooperative program that could serve a university community as well as the community at large.

Environmental sustainability: Environmental justice has to be a consideration in revitalizing communities. Many poor neighborhoods have been identified as having a history of environmental degradation as a result of industrial pollution and neglect. Too often, these communities were treated as dumping grounds for toxic materials and chemical waste, with catastrophic results. While an enhanced commitment to enforcing environmental regulations has to be in place, a commitment to improving the living conditions – with an eye toward environmental sustainability – must also be made. One initiative to consider is the development of an environmentally sustainable housing initiative. In El Paso, a unique partnership between the city of El Paso and the federal government has resulted in Paisano Green – the first and only environmentally sustainable affordable housing community in Texas. The use of public housing dollars, paired with investments in parks and public transportation, has led to a comprehensive sustainable development. Making a comprehensive project like this work in Houston will require a sustained and joint effort. Texas Southern University and the higher education community as a whole can also play a role and bring together the expertise to make this project a reality. Houston is now home to the national expert on environmental justice – Dr. Robert Bullard, who was recently named dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at TSU.

Education, economic development and environmental sustainability are just a part of the process in revitalizing a community. It will take a prolonged and committed effort to make a difference in the lives of many Houstonians who have been mired in multigenerational poverty. By working together, the public, private and nonprofit communities can make a difference. The only limitation we have is our inability to come together.

Adams is the director of the master of public administration program at the Jordan-Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University.

Dr. Michael O. Adams*

We have all heard the adage…never put all your eggs in one basket. The rationale being, it’s always wise to hedge your bets to ensure that if your selection is wrong, you aren’t left empty-handed. A recent report from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies seems to indicate that politically speaking, African-Americans in the South may have done exactly that.

African-American’s have since the dawn of the civil rights era, voted in increasingly larger percentages in favor of the Democratic Party. As such, there electoral fortunes seemed increasingly tied to the success of the Party.

After the groundbreaking election of Barack Obama, and his success in many traditional Republican states—some experts believed we were moving towards a “post-racial” political environment. But with the large gains made by Republicans in Southern state legislatures, African Americans have seen their political power slip to historic lows.

David A. Bositis, author of “Resegregation in Southern Politics?” and one of the authors of the report has argued that legislatures are increasingly divided along racial lines — making Republican synonymous with white, and Democrat with black. The report said a majority of Democrats in both legislative chambers in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi are black. In half of the Southern legislative chambers, blacks are a majority or near majority of Democratic members. Of the 318 black legislators in the South, only 3 are Republican, according to the center.

From a policy perspective, the ramifications for African-Americans are significant. Issues of poverty, racial justice, and economic disparity may be ignored and overlooked as African-Americans are pushed into the background. To combat that, they must broaden their political appeal and look to expand there presence in all political communities. Creating bipartisan coalitions is the only way to remain effective.

*Dr. Michael O. Adams is a professor of political science and public administration in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University. He also serves as director of the Barbara Jordan Institute for Policy Research at TSU.

Dr. Michael O. Adams*

A recent report by the Brookings Institution has brought into clear focus the stark reality of the current conditions many communities in Houston now face. Poverty and deteriorating living conditions are persistent and growing in many parts of our traditional inner city.

Exacerbated by rising unemployment, a lack of affordable housing throughout the city and virtually no retail and economic drivers in these communities—already strained populations have been debilitated by the prolonged recession.

The Chronicle, in its story—More people living in poor neighborhoods, highlights one of the proactive solutions that Texas Southern University is proud to be part of–the redevelopment of the historic Deluxe Theatre on Lyons Ave into a multipurpose educational complex. That effort is a solid first step to bringing more opportunity and vitality into the distressed 5^th ward community. But for redevelopment efforts to catch hold, it will require a comprehensive and sustained effort.

While the causes of poverty are systemic, we as a community have to come together to develop solutions that can assist these communities while enhancing economic opportunities for the entire city. The reality is that the City as a whole can never prosper if persistent pockets of poverty and hopelessness exist.

Education

Any effort of revitalization must begin with dramatically improving educational opportunities within high poverty communities. National studies have for years shown the correlation between educational level and income. A recent analysis by the Barbara Jordan Institute (the research institute of the Jordan Leland School of Public Affairs, TSU) looked at HISD graduation rates and college readiness in several inner city communities.  That data indicated dropout rates in the historic 5^th ward, 3^rd ward and other inner city neighborhoods far in excess of the state average. A comprehensive effort to keep students in high school and graduate has to be a priority. One solution that has to be explored is greater linkage between the K-12 system and schools of Higher education. Community colleges, Texas Southern University and other local universities can assist in the effort in helping keep students in school through mentorship programs, dual credit, and helping develop a new curriculum that better reflects what students want and need to be successful at both the college and work level.

Economic Development

The lack of commercial retail has to be addressed if communities are to be given a chance to survive. One persistent criticism has been the lack of large-scale grocery stores in high poverty communities. These “food deserts” have received increased notice by policymakers, but to date little has been achieved locally in food access for these communities. Recently, two different initiatives may offer some hope on this issue. Wal-Mart, in an initiative championed by the First Lady Michelle Obama has agreed to locate 300 new grocery stores throughout the U.S. Local policymakers can assist and encourage companies like Wal-Mart to select Houston through more aggressive use of tax abatements and other incentive programs. A recent abatement agreement by the City of Houston with Kroger to locate in a non-distressed community could be a model. The other initiative, announced by the University of Texas at Austin through its University Co-Op, is the development of a grocery store located on the edge of its campus to serve its University community. Texas Southern University has a presence in many high poverty communities in Houston. It could serve as a linchpin for a cooperative program between a private change and the University that could serve both its university community—and even more importantly the community at large.

Education and economic development are just a part of the process in revitalizing a community. It will take a prolonged and committed effort to make a difference in the lives of many Houstonians who have been mired in multi-generational poverty. By working together—the public, private and non-profit communities can make a difference. The only limitation we have is our inability to come together.

*Dr. Michael O. Adams is a professor of political science and public administration in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University. He also serves as director of the Barbara Jordan Institute for Policy Research at TSU.

Dr. Michael O. Adams*

We are excited to announce that the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs has just named a new Dean, Dr. Robert Bullard. Dr. Bullard has been a pioneer and leader in the area of environmental research and its effects on minority communities. Notably, he has looked at the sad reality that many low income and minority communities have seen there homes and lives put in danger by the location of environmentally sensitive facilities near them. Generally regarded as the father of the Environmental Justice movement, his expertise is no stranger to Houston—having led efforts to stop the placement of waste treatment plant in the middle of a neighborhood. Moreover, his focus on the environment and minority communities was revolutionary in a movement that had previously been dominated by Anglo leaders and had been largely ignored by minority leaders. His emphasis on environmental justice has led to a greater emphasis of environmental awareness in general within the minority community. Recycling efforts, water quality improvements, and the development of sustainable communities in low-income areas are all issues that owe a debt of gratitude to the work of Dr. Bullard.

In a City like Houston, his arrival and expertise couldn’t come at a more critical time. In a city with no land use regulations and a history of placing sensitive facilities in low-income communities, the temptation to cut environmental regulations in the name of expanding economic opportunities is great. With refineries and treatment plants in the area poised for expansion—it is critical that policy makers to be vigilant in maintaining and preserving environmental standards.

We join the entire community in welcoming a new leader to our institution who will bring a strong vision and perspective to our community.

*Dr. Michael O. Adams is a professor of political science and public administration in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University. He also serves as director of the Barbara Jordan Institute for Policy Research at TSU.

By

Dr. Michael O. Adams*

The Barbara Jordan Institute blog at Texas Southern University has for the most part dedicated itself with discussing contemporary public policy issues and advocating solutions and ideas for change. It is a format that we have strived to adhere to. On rare occasions, an issue comes up that force us to enter a social and political discussion in our society because morality, decency and ethics demand it.

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is re-considering a proposal from the Sons of Confederate Veterans to allow the issuance of license plates that will show the group’s logo that includes the Confederate battle flag. The Confederate battle flag has been synonymous with virulent racism since its popularization within the last 100 years. Largely unknown, at the time of the Civil War, it was “adopted” by the Ku Klux Klan during reconstruction and through the period of segregation as a symbol of white supremacy. During the 50’s many southern Governors added the flag to their own state flags as symbolic defiance against integration. Much like the swastika, which was taken by Nazi Germany from Indian culture—the once neutral symbol now represents nothing more than hate to many, many people.

Depending on the historical context in which confederacy is viewed, the Sons of Confederate Veterans will appear either as preservers of Southern heritage or as a racist organization. Regardless of the organization’s mission and/or objective, they must appreciate how damaging the mere sight of the flag has on the psyche of so many people. To deny that fact is unimaginable. To countless people, the flag resurrects the time of a segregated south where African-Americans were treated as second-class citizens, denied the right to vote, beaten, and lynched. It is a symbol of one of the darkest periods in our history. The historical fact is that the battle flag has limited modern relevance to the Civil War. It is a symbol of racism and oppression. I would echo the words of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and ask Governor Perry to intervene with his appointees to the DMV and ask them not to divide our state and possibly ignite racial tension. Allow the Sons of Confederate Veterans to have a license plate that rightly honors fallen soldiers—but not with a racist symbol. Texas is better than that.

*Dr. Michael O. Adams is a professor of political science and public administration in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University. He also serves as director of the Barbara Jordan Institute for Policy Research at TSU.

Dr. Michael O. Adams

Texas Southern University

 75th Annual Texas NAACP State Convention

October 8, 2011

Abstract

For many people, the Civil Rights era is often considered a period in our history that began with the seminal Brown v. Board of Education and culminated with the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The reality is that the quest for civil rights began almost at the dawn of our Republic and continues today.

One of the most overlooked aspects of the struggle is the critical role Academia has played and continues to play. From the earliest writings of Frederick Douglass, to the current works of Cornell West and Lani Guinier—the African American education community has laid the intellectual framework in the struggle for Civil Rights.

Of particular importance is the role the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) has played in the struggle for Civil Rights. Along with its important role of educating a generation of leaders and providing the intellectual, social, and cultural basis for the African American community, the HBCUs provided much of the data and research that provided the moral and ethical underpinnings of the movement. Today, they have been leading the efforts in looking at our current civil rights struggles.

With the emergence of think tanks like the Joint Center for Politics and Economics, as well as University based centers like the Barbara Jordan Institute, Academia continues to be in the forefront of the civil rights struggle. Whether its assisting in the development of redistricting plans, fighting against voter identification laws, advocating for more access to education, or fighting for worker rights along with a myriad of other issues—academia continues to play a key role in the current Civil Rights era.

One area that is of particular attention is the tireless efforts on behalf of the wrongly incarcerated. In an era when many have overlooked this terrible injustice, academia has led the way in freeing the innocent and working to reform our criminal justice system.

As we look ahead, it is important to remember that Academia continues to play a critical role in our lives. Universities and Colleges are not in remote ivory towers. They are in the streets of our country helping fight injustice.