September 16, 2010
The Census Bureau today reported that the poverty rate for 2009 rose to 14.3 percent for 2009, which is up from 13.2 percent for 2008 due to the financial crisis and resulting worldwide recession. While this number is lower than what many economists and demographers were projecting, it is still a tragically large rise in the number of Americans who live in poverty.
“An estimated 43.5 million Americans lived in poverty in 2009, which means that 3.7 million Americans fell into poverty last year.
“The most recent report on poverty sadly continues the long history of minority communities continuing to be disproportionately impacted by higher rates of poverty. Whites saw their poverty rates rise from 8.6 to 9.4 percent, while African Americans rate rose from 24.7 to 25.8 and Latin Americans saw the largest percentage increase from 23.2 to 25.3 percent,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee.
“Simply stated, while nearly 1 in 10 white Americans are in poverty, one in four African Americans and Latinos are trapped by poverty. This disparity is a national disgrace, and it is my hope that all Americans will work together to ensure that America is a land of prosperity and opportunity for all.
“The one bright spot in the Census report for 2009 was the 0.8 percent reduction in the poverty rate for seniors over 65. This speaks to the success of Social Security, the single largest anti-poverty program in America, and the vital need to protect Social Security benefits from those who seek to erode it.
“Most disturbing is that America’s youngest children continue to suffer the most. An estimated 41.9 percent of African American and 35 percent of Latino children under 5 lived in poverty in 2009.
“It is vital that we have a strong and comprehensive response to this emergency of poverty in America.
“We must not respond to this crisis by attempting to balance our budgets on the backs of the poor. Now is not the time to cut vital programs that protect our children from hunger and homelessness.
“It is critical that Congress and the entire nation recommit to the fight against poverty, because it is by defeating poverty that we will restore our flagging economy and put our nation back on a path to prosperity.”
Out of Poverty Caucus Co-Chair Barbara Lee Comments on Release of 2009 American Poverty Rates
For Immediate Release
Contact: Nicole Williams
202-225-2661
Washington, D.C. – Today, the Out of Poverty Caucus Co-Chair Barbara Lee (CA-09) commented on the release of 2009 Census figures for the rates of poverty in America.
The Census Bureau today reported that the poverty rate for 2009 rose to 14.3 percent for 2009, which is up from 13.2 percent for 2008 due to the financial crisis and resulting worldwide recession. While this number is lower than what many economists and demographers were projecting, it is still a tragically large rise in the number of Americans who live in poverty.
“An estimated 43.5 million Americans lived in poverty in 2009, which means that 3.7 million Americans fell into poverty last year.
“The most recent report on poverty sadly continues the long history of minority communities continuing to be disproportionately impacted by higher rates of poverty. Whites saw their poverty rates rise from 8.6 to 9.4 percent, while African Americans rate rose from 24.7 to 25.8 and Latin Americans saw the largest percentage increase from 23.2 to 25.3 percent,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee.
“Simply stated, while nearly 1 in 10 white Americans are in poverty, one in four African Americans and Latinos are trapped by poverty. This disparity is a national disgrace, and it is my hope that all Americans will work together to ensure that America is a land of prosperity and opportunity for all.
“The one bright spot in the Census report for 2009 was the 0.8 percent reduction in the poverty rate for seniors over 65. This speaks to the success of Social Security, the single largest anti-poverty program in America, and the vital need to protect Social Security benefits from those who seek to erode it.
“Most disturbing is that America’s youngest children continue to suffer the most. An estimated 41.9 percent of African American and 35 percent of Latino children under 5 lived in poverty in 2009.
“It is vital that we have a strong and comprehensive response to this emergency of poverty in America.
“We must not respond to this crisis by attempting to balance our budgets on the backs of the poor. Now is not the time to cut vital programs that protect our children from hunger and homelessness.
“It is critical that Congress and the entire nation recommit to the fight against poverty, because it is by defeating poverty that we will restore our flagging economy and put our nation back on a path to prosperity.”
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