PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A coalition of religious leaders from several faiths has held a Statehouse rally to urge lawmakers to fight poverty.
Members of the Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty held a march to the Statehouse Wednesday before the rally, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty speech.
The group is calling on lawmakers to increase funding for food pantries, raise the minimum wage, expand affordable housing and child care assistance, and boost programs to help the homeless.
Gov. Lincoln Chafee and several lawmakers attended the event. Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed said poverty is directly linked to the state’s economy.
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