U.S. poverty rate rises to 15.1 percent, number of uninsured Americans hits record high

[teko]

News Alert: U.S. poverty rate rises to 15.1 percent, number of uninsured Americans hits record high (corrected)
September 13, 2011 11:34:44 AM
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The Census Bureau reports the number of Americans in poverty jumped to 15.1 percent in 2010, a 17-year high. About 46.2 million people, or nearly 1 in 6, were in poverty. That’s up from 43.6 million, or 14.3 percent, in 2009. It was the highest level since 1993.

The number of people lacking health insurance increased to 49.9 million, a new high after revisions were made to 2009 figures. Losses were due mostly to working-age Americans who lost employer-provided insurance in the weak economy.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this alert incorrectly said the percentage of Americans living below the poverty line was a 27-year high.

http://link.email.washingtonpost.com/r/BZYGW4/KEUSNJ/47PD88/KARO1I/XFPK4/W1/h

[brice1967]

Something from the AP this morning in our little local paper quotes 46 million in poverty.  Basically, 1/6 to 1/7 of the country..... and the gap is widening, not shrinking.

[teko]

Im with you bbxx. I guess I am a pessimist as well.

[bbxx]

Regardless what the figures are now...I am thinking its going to get real ugly, not matter what they do to fix it. Guess I am a pessimist

[brice1967]

CNN ran this story and had the "facts" slightly "embellished". I can't remember what percentage rate they said, but it was different.  The definately said that the rate hasn't been this high in 18 years....

So, depending on where you get your news, and whether you are an optimist or a pessimist, you can certainly find an answer in there somewhere to fit your needs.....

Truth.... real figures.  That's all anyone in this country wants....