Not enough attention

An article in the current Christian Century asserts that poverty did not get near enough attention in the past election.

The article disputes arguments that a good social safety net reduces the incentive to work.  For most of the poor, motivation is not the problem.

The article disputes arguments that private charities should support and provide for the poor of their community.  They mean local food pantries and homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters, which are significantly supported by the middle class instead of a tax which spreads the responsibility around.

What the poor generally get is the leftovers, the seconds, and a lot of nasty characterizations.
That and canned peas; and everyone knows that canned peas are not real food. 

I want to know, when did poverty get enough attention?