WCPT 820 Interview: Anne Kim of Washington Monthly

Richard Chew is joined by Anne Kim, senior editor at Washington Monthly and the author of "Poverty for Profit: How Corporations Get Rich Off America’s Poor"; she is also co-editor of "Betrayed: America Didn't Vote for This."  They discuss the exploitation of vulnerable communities through corporate colonization and the privatization of government programs.

Corporate Colonization and Vulnerable Communities
- Kim explains that her book, "Poverty Over Profit," explores how companies exploit government programs intended to support vulnerable populations.
- She identifies several forms of corporate colonization, including privatized ICE detention centers run by companies like the GEO Group and predatory tax prep services in low-income areas.
- The discussion highlights how businesses often provide substandard services while extracting significant funds from federal and state resources.

The Privatization of Government Services
- Kim describes a cottage industry of companies that extract money from social programs like Medicaid and Section 8 housing without providing adequate benefits.
- The conversation details how the delegation of state power to for-profit contractors like Maximus can lead to life-and-death decisions regarding welfare and SNAP benefits.
- Contracts often include legal protections that prevent citizens from successfully challenging the decisions made by these private entities.

Historical Context and Future Challenges
- Kim traces the rise of privatization back to Ronald Reagan's era, noting that Bill Clinton's 1996 welfare reforms further expanded the role of private contractors.
- The discussion addresses how systemic barriers are often ignored due to a narrative that blames impoverished individuals for their own circumstances based on stereotypes.
- Kim concludes by directing listeners to her work at Washington Monthly and her personal website for more information on her research.

 

Catch "Chew's Views with Richard Chew” weekdays from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/chews-views).

 

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