Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America

Rural Poverty in America

From Spotlight on Poverty.org

Mil Duncan explores the extent and trends of rural poverty
Mil Duncan, executive director of the Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire, explores the extent of rural poverty in America. In a video commentary, Duncan discusses the disturbing trends in rural poverty and urges the presidential candidates and policy makers to address its many sides. To view the commentary in full, click here

Despite Slight Decline in Poverty Rates Much More Needs to Be Done to Cut Poverty in Half by 2020

CCUSA troubled by increase in uninsured rates among children

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.”

What do you think about the Census numbers?

Do you know how your kids are doing?

How are the kids in your state faring when it comes to Poverty? Do you know where to go to find out?

The Annie E. Casey foundation recently released Kids Count  " KIDS COUNT is a national and state-by-state effort to track the status of children in the U.S. By providing policymakers and citizens with benchmarks of child well-being, KIDS COUNT seeks to enrich local, state, and national discussions concerning ways to secure better futures for all children"

Check out how kids in your state are doing

Poverty Statistics

In one of the richest, most powerful nations on earth, tens of millions of people lack some of the basic material necessities of life. The existence of such widespread poverty amidst such enormous wealth is a moral and social wound in the soul of this country. Even while the economy as a whole prospers, this scourge of poverty is getting worse, and the harm it inflicts on our entire nation continues to grow. The fact that this powerful economy is leaving so many behind is a sign that that something in our social and economic system is seriously broken.

• For children, the poverty rate for whites is 10 percent,
• 28 percent for Latino children,
• 27 percent for Native American Children, and
• 33 percent for African American children.
• Most of the poor are workers - Nearly two out of three families with incomes below the poverty line include one or more workers.
• Poverty affects many Americans. Almost half of all Americans will have experienced poverty for a year or more at some point in their lives by the time they reach age 60.

Census Data - Poverty

In July 2006 the United States Census Bureau released new data that showed that things are not getting any better for the poor. The Bureau reported that no significant change in the number of Americans living in poverty between 2004 and 2005. It also reported the following:

This is the first year since 2000 that the number of Americans living in poverty did not increase.

While the level of poverty remained the same between 2004 and 2005, the new data showed an increase in the gap between wealthy and poor Americans.

The data showed an increase in the number of Americans without health coverage. Over 46 million Americans were uninsured in 2005, an increase of 1.3 million from 2004.

The percentage of Americans without health care coverage also rose from15.6 percent in 2004 to 15.9 percent in 2005

The number of children who are uninsured rose from 7.9 million in 2004 to 8.3 million in 2005.

The percentage of Americans with private health insurance declined to 59.5.percent in 2005- compared to 62.6 percent in 2001.