In an effort to reduce poverty, Utah Issues and the Crossroads Urban Center have drafted some decency principles and one of their first stops to request help was the board of governors of the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.
Bill Crim of Utah Issues said recent U.S. Census data indicate poverty is increasing in Utah and the nation and even though someone in the poverty households is employed they remain poor because of falling real wages, increasing housing costs and increasing health care costs.Crim and the Rev. Ron Thomas of the Crossroads Urban Center urged business and government to work together to reduce the impact of poverty by making changes within their business or seeking changes in public policy that would help the poor.
They asked the chamber to circulate copies of the decency principles to its members and consider holding a seminar when the poverty issues can be raised. No action was taken on either suggestion.