Reflections on New Poverty Data

On August 26, the Census Bureau released new data on poverty and health insurance coverage for 2007. The statistics show that, despite economic growth over the past few years, the number of Americans living in poverty was greater in 2007 than in the recession year of 2001.

See what experts and advocates are saying about the numbers:

Read a statement from the Coalition on Human Needs

Read a statement from the National Women’s Law Center

Read a statement from Catholic Charities USA

Read a statement from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

See the reactions from around the country:>

Read a New Jersey Jewish News editorial (published August 28, 2008)

Read from Minkie Medora, a member of the Food Security Council and the Montana Food Bank Network, in the Missoulian (published August 29, 2008)

Read from Joanne Carter, Executive Director of RESULTS, in the Philadelphia Inquirer (published September 1, 2008)

Read from Albert B. Kelly, President and CEO of Tri-County Community Action Partnership, in the Press of Atlantic City (published September 1, 2008)

Read from Greg Coleridge, Director of the Economic Justice & Empowerment Program of the Northeast Ohio American Friends Service Committee, in the Akron Beacon-Journal (published September 4, 2008)

Read from Sharon Parks, President and CEO of the Michigan League for Human Services, in the Traverse City Record-Eagle (published September 5, 2008)

Read from Rick Wilson, Director of the American Friends Service Committee WV Economic Justice Project, in the Charleston Gazette (published September 7, 2008)