New Data Show Economic Recovery Has Not Benefited Children
National Center for Children in Poverty:
Today the U.S. Census Bureau released new data showing that in 2005, the child poverty rate in the U.S. remained at 18%.
The National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) is deeply troubled that despite economic growth, the overall trend since 2000 has been a dramatic increase in the number of children living in poverty---there were 1.3 million more poor children in 2005 compared to 2000.
Despite growth in the economy in recent years, the new Census data reveal that many Americans have not benefited from the recovery.
American workers and their families are simply not getting ahead---the New York Times reports this week that the inflation-adjusted median hourly wage has declined since 2003.
Children whose families experience financial insecurity are at greater risk of struggling in school, having social and emotional problems, and being in poor health.
Unless these problems are addressed, children who grow up in poverty are likely to struggle as adults---both in the labor force and as parents.
