May 22, 2013
Friday, September 11, 2010
WASHINGTON (AP) -- When it comes to fighting poverty, President Barack Obama says the most important thing he can do is to make the economy grow more quickly so that there are more jobs for everyone.
He says the poorest communities are the most vulnerable in an economic downturn.
But Obama told reporters Friday that there are efforts that can be aimed most at helping communities in need. He pointed to education reform initiatives that he says have been praised by Democrats and Republicans.
Obama says his administration's competition to encourage school improvements has spurred 46 states to undertake reform.
He also says poor students will benefit most from his move to give student aid directly to students, rather than funneling it through banks and intermediaries.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
