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NCCP Dismayed that Number of Children Without Health Insurance Rises by 8 Percent |
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National Center for Children in Poverty: The U.S. Census Bureau's annual release of data on poverty, income, and health insurance revealed that the official child poverty rate in the United States remained unchanged in 2006, hovering at about 17.5 percent. We at the National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) are extremely concerned not only that child poverty did not decline, but also that the number of uninsured children increased for the second year in a row. According to the new figures, 12.8 million children live in families with incomes below the official poverty level---$20,000 a year for a family of four in 2006. Since 2000, the annual Census Bureau figures have shown that the number of children living in poverty has either increased or remained stagnant each year. Today's data release revealed another troubling fact---real median earnings of full-time, year-round workers fell by more than a full percentage point. "Although some areas of the economy appear strong, today's numbers are a troubling reminder that prosperity is benefiting only the very highest earners," says Dr. Jane Knitzer, Director of NCCP. "To provide for their children, low-income workers need higher wages, and they need assistance paying for expensive budget items like child care and health care," asserts Dr. Nancy Cauthen, NCCP's Deputy Director. The National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) is the nation's leading public policy center dedicated to promoting the economic security, health, and well-being of America's low-income families and children.
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