Census: US Poverty Rate Swells To Nearly 1 In 6
The ranks of the nation's poor swelled to nearly 1 in 6 people last year, reaching a new high as long-term unemployment woes left millions of Americans struggling and out of work. The number of uninsured edged up to 49.9 million, the biggest in over two decades.
Expanded census data from 2010 has been released, showing the effects high unemployment is having on poverty in America. Now, just about 1-in-6 Americans are at the poverty line with the official poverty rate jumping almost a full percentage point from 2009. San Diego aid agencies have been reporting an increase in need in our community, from food banks to shelters. We'll discuss how these new national numbers translate into the number of San Diegans dealing with poverty.
GUESTS
Dr. John Weeks, Distinguished Professor of Geography and Dir, International Population Center, SDSU
Dr. Murtaza Baxamusa, Secretary-Treasurer, Board of Directors, Middle Class Taxpayers Association-San Diego
Calfresh Information (food stamps program)
