ATLANTA (WJBF) - State lawmakers want to keep Georgia streets safer and are exploring many options to reduce poverty levels.
State lawmakers say not tackling poverty and homelessness can lead to crimes like human trafficking, gang activity, robberies, aggravated assault and murders.
According to Georgia data, 13 percent of Georgians fall below the poverty line and 17 percent are children under 18 years old.
In Georgia, the average poverty threshold for a family of 4 was a little under $27,000 dollars.
State lawmakers say this points to having reduced child care costs and affordable housing solutions so families don't end up on the streets.
"The big ones is to allow counties to have rent stabilization so that this bill can allow counties the opportunity to see if rents are skyrocketing and opportunity to see some type of rent stabilization program," said State Senator Harold Jones.
Georgia's attorney general says tackling public safety is also key for bring new investments into the state. Census data shows Georgia has the 14th highest poverty rate in the country.
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