| Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, issued the following statement regarding new statistics released today by the U.S. Census Bureau that shows that poverty has declined slightly in the United States. “Any time the poverty rate decreases, we should celebrate. However, we must never lose sight of the fact that in one of the world’s wealthiest nations, 36.5 million people living in poverty, including 12.8 million children, continue to struggle to make ends meet.
“Catholic Charities agencies serve more than 7.4 million people each year, giving us first-hand experience in dealing with the personal tragedy of poverty. That’s why Catholic Charities USA launched its Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America last January to cut the poverty rate in half by 2020.
Catholic Charities USA is extremely troubled that the number of uninsured, including children, continues to increase. We firmly believe that there is no excuse for any child in our nation to go without access to health care, which is critically important to the well-being and development of all children.
“Each day we work to help to lift people out of poverty, but much more needs to be done. What will it take to shake our nation’s leaders out of their complacency and to convince them that America’s promise of a better life and a better tomorrow rings hollow for millions of people who are working hard but falling further and further behind.
“When Congress returns from its August recess, it is critical that both the House and Senate take real steps to help those living in poverty. It’s time for Congress to get to work and find the political will needed to make poverty a top agenda item and help the most vulnerable in our nation.
“We call on Congress to strengthen State Children’s Health Insurance Program to cover more children from low-income families before this successful program expires at the end of September. It’s also important for Congress to strengthen federal nutrition programs, including passing a Farm Bill that makes the application process easier, increases food stamp benefit amounts, improves outreach, and expands eligibility and eliminates asset limits. In addition, Congress must continue and improve Head Start and strengthen and adequately fund needed affordable housing programs.
“We must renew our commitment to help millions of Americans still living in poverty and the millions who are lacking vital health insurance. This is about who we are as a nation, and we simply must do better.” | 
