"For liberal advocates, what looked like a chance to talk up new programs in the wake of Hurricane Katrina is fast becoming a scramble to save the old ones," the New York Times reports.
"Doubt about the effectiveness of some programs is only one factor shaping the current antipoverty debate. Another is political muscle: poor people do not make campaign contributions. Many do not even vote. "
"A third factor is the federal deficit, which leaves little money for new initiatives. And a fourth is the continuing support for tax cuts, including those aimed at the wealthiest Americans, which further limits spending on social programs."