Following the recent release of startling new poverty figures from the US Census Bureau, there has been an outpouring of responses in the media. We have highlighted a few of these articles here:
New York Times:
“Poor Are Still Getting Poorer, but Downturns Punch Varies, Census Data Show.” Looking at where poverty hit the hardest in 2010, this article points to the plunging incomes of young adults in comparison with those over 65. It also notes the alarming rate of single mothers slipping into poverty, with 40% of households headed by women living under the poverty line. Among those people already living in poverty, the share of those in deep poverty (less than half the poverty line) rose to 44.3%.
“Soaring Poverty Casts Spotlight on ‘Lost Decade.’” This article outlines the details of the poverty data, framing the crisis as a ‘lost decade’ where, for the first time since the Great Depression, the median income level for American families has not risen for such an extended period of time.
“For Job’s, It’s War.” Charles Blow discusses the poverty crisis and its correlation to the lack of good, well-paying jobs in America. He notes that, “three out of four of those below the poverty line work: half have full-time jobs, a quarter work part time. Only a quarter do not work at all.”
“The Impoverished States of America.” An interesting data feature that puts new poverty figures in the context of state populations, revealing things like there are more women and girls living in poverty than the total population of the state of Texas.
The Huffington Post:
“To Grow the Economy, We Must Pay Attention to Child Poverty.” Danielle Ewen, of the Center for Law and Social Policy, asserts that our recent and drastic child poverty rates will have devastating repercussions for our economy and society in the future. She calls for real investments in programs for poor families and children like job creation, food supports, and quality early childhood programs because “child poverty is a key indicator of the fiscal health of our nation.”
“Growing Child Poverty in America: There is Simply No Excuse.“ Bruce Lesley, President of First Focus, points to specific policy initiatives throughout our history that successfully reduced child poverty. He also outlines the economic costs of rising child poverty in America, as well as a successful anti-child poverty programs in the United Kingdom.
Other articles:
Gotham Gazette:
“Can Obama’s Plan Erase New York’s Jobs Deficit?” James Parrot of the Fiscal Policy Institute frames the impact of the jobs crisis in New York state. He outlines specific policy recommendations to help curb unemployment and grow New York’s economy, including investing in education and maintaining the income-tax surcharge on the highest income earners.
New York Magazine:
“The Knock at the Door.” An article exploring how the bureaucratic failings of the Administration of Children’s Services resulted in the death of young Marchella Pierce and imprisonment of Chereece Bell, the caseworker who oversaw the case and ended up as a scapegoat.
City Limits:
“More Than Money: Bloomberg’s Focus on Young Men of Color.” Andrea Batista Schlesinger defends Mayor Bloomberg’s “Young Men’s Initiative”, which invests in reforms and programs aimed at expanding opportunities for young black and Latino men. Schlesinger praises the mayor for “[taking] responsibility for the outcomes of Black and Latino young men on the City’s watch,” noting that Bloomberg is pointing frankly to grave disparities in rates of educational outcomes, employment, and incarceration for these men and outlining practical policy solutions. Read a report on the Mayor’s “Young Men’s Initiative” here.
