Senator Edwards Statement on New Poverty Numbers

Chapel Hill, NC – Senator John Edwards released the following statement today in response to the “Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2005” report issued by the Census Bureau today:

“The horrors of Katrina were a terrible wake-up call to the vast majority of Americans about the millions of families in our midst who live in poverty every day, all across our country. Katrina should have been a defining moment in the fight against poverty - the American people's desire for change should have been matched by action from this Administration. But it wasn't. And a year later, we see the result of the Administration’s inattention and neglect - stagnation. The number of Americans living in poverty remains unchanged at 37 million. A year ago, the President said we have a duty to confront poverty with bold action, and then he turned a blind eye once again. If the President won't act, I hope the American people will - talk to your church or synagogue or mosque, contact a local charity, anything you can do will make a difference."

“Just as alarming, the number of Americans without health care coverage grew to nearly 47 million. These families are already living on the edge and just one health care emergency will make it even harder for them to make ends meet. It is time for this Administration to finally take action, to stop the growing divide between the wealthiest Americans and the millions and millions who live paycheck to paycheck.”

http://oneamericacommittee.com/news/headlines/oah20060829/