Comparative Perspectives on the Relationship of Public Finance and Poverty

Abstract

The mini-symposium in this issue of Public Finance and Management provides an outlet for emerging research on poverty and public finance at a particularly relevant point in time. In the aftermath of the 2008–10 recession rising poverty rates and prolonged durations of poverty will have significant financial impact on national, state and local financial systems. The demand for publically funded social services will be increasing, while the ability of governments to raise revenues will be at risk. Governments around the globe will be forced to reconsider their poverty alleviation programs and their financial systems. The two papers in this symposium offer insight on the relationship between poverty and public finance and suggest public finance strategies for addressing poverty and improving living standards.