In an interview, activist Amy Jo Hutchison discusses the dire economic circumstances facing millions of Americans, highlighting the inadequacy of government poverty guidelines despite her own dual employment and education. She criticizes the government’s priorities, such as senators receiving substantial funds for office furniture while many struggle to meet basic needs. Hutchison expresses frustration over the perception that poverty is a personal failure and emphasizes the urgent need for affordable healthcare, childcare, and a living wage, reflecting on her fears for the future amidst political unrest.
In the upcoming U.S. presidential elections, a key focus is which candidate is believed to have a better economic policy. Both Harris and Trump claim they can lower the cost of living. Activist Amy Jo Hutchison shares her experiences of living in poverty and her demands from the government in this interview.
Interviewer: Amy Jo Hutchison, you called for an adjustment to the poverty guidelines concerning a living wage in your testimony before the U.S. Congressional committee. What has happened since then?
Amy Jo Hutchison: Absolutely nothing! I work two jobs and hold a college degree, yet it’s not enough. Official poverty guidelines indicate I am not classified as poor, but I recently had to cash in a jar of spare change to allow my daughter to participate in a band competition. There are 46 million Americans living in poverty who are doing their best. We should accept nothing less than real action from our government.
You strongly criticized that every Senator receives $40,000 annually for office furniture.
Exactly! That’s $360 more than the poverty threshold for a family of seven. Senators should be ashamed. Everyone should be outraged at the government’s mindset that values their office furnishings at thousands of dollars per year while families and children go unsupported.
How can it be that 46 million Americans live in poverty in the wealthiest country in the world?
In America, there’s a prevailing belief that poor people are to blame for their circumstances. It’s tied to the idea of a meritocracy: if you work hard enough and make the right choices, you will succeed. I’m often told to create a better budget. But when expenses exceed income, budgeting doesn’t matter.
A significant issue is health insurance. You went without it for a long time.
I was uninsured for nearly ten years. I couldn’t afford dental care. I relied on ibuprofen and cloves as home remedies. Many people are in the same boat—doing what they have to survive.
You advocate for affordable child care and a higher minimum wage, but to no avail so far.
There seems to be a reluctance to allocate the necessary funds, which is often due to a lack of government resources. My peers are either working poor or part of the lower middle class. We are told that $10.50 per hour—the minimum wage—is a significant amount. Yet even earning $15 per hour makes it tough to cover bills, rent, and groceries. People are working yet still going hungry. Costs are rising, but wages are not being adjusted.
West Virginia is the third poorest state, with 100,000 children living below the poverty line. How did you end up in poverty?
When I had children, I began to face economic hardships. I didn’t want to rely on social assistance or food stamps—my pride got in the way. I’ve always juggled two or three jobs like my mother did; I thought that was just how life was.
Are you concerned about the country’s future?
I have deep concerns. I’m 52 years old, but my daughters are just starting out. Recently, I pondered if we should get passports ready in case we need to leave. There is talk about a potential civil war if Trump isn’t elected. On January 6, 2021, we got a glimpse of what could happen.
This conversation was conducted by Barbara Lüthi.