WASHINGTON, D.C. - A new report out today from the U.S. Census Bureau illustrates the devastating impact that the economic recession has had on American families since it began in 2007. According to report, in 2009, 43.6 million Americans had family incomes below the poverty line, about $22,000 for a family of four, underscoring the need for more rapid economic growth and additional job creation efforts. However, the report also indicates that a variety of government programs, which Congress and the Obama Administration have strengthened, have had a significant positive impact. This includes unemployment benefits which the report indicates helped prevent 3.3 million Americans from falling into poverty.
“This report serves as another painful reminder that American families were dealt a devastating blow during this economic recession," said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sander M. Levin (D-MI). “These 43 million Americans are the reason we must put aside politics and continue working to create American jobs and strengthen economic recovery. This is why, in the coming days, the House must pass legislation to provide targeted relief to small businesses to further spur the creation of private sector jobs. However, as these efforts are underway we must not forget that Americans are still suffering and they will continue to need vital assistance."
“These new numbers clearly show the increased hardship imposed on millions of Americans by the recession that started at the end of 2007 under the failed economic policies of the Bush Administration," said Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support Chairman Jim McDermott (D-WA). “Today’s data also underscores the importance of continuing to work to increase employment and to extend programs that have been an important lifeline for so many struggling Americans. Despite the fact that these programs have aided millions of American families, Republicans callously block this assistance every chance they get. The Republican response to the surge in poverty is - ‘let them eat cake.’"
The Recovery Act included several provisions to help struggling families including extended unemployment benefits, three tax credits, increased SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps) and a one-time payment to seniors, Social Security Insurance (SSI) recipients and disabled veterans. Using a more comprehensive poverty measure, the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities found “that [these provisions] alone are preventing more than 6 million Americans from falling below the poverty line and are reducing the severity of poverty for 33 million more." Beginning next year, the Census Bureau will release a Supplemental Poverty Measure, similar to legislation introduced by Chairman McDermott, which will incorporate factors like tax credits, housing and child care expenses, providing a more accurate picture of Americans in poverty and how to best assist them.
To help get Americans back on their feet, the Democratic Congress continues to move forward with legislation that will spur economic growth and create good-paying jobs here in the United States. In the coming days Congress will take up the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010, which will provide critical relief to small businesses so that they can grow and hire in their communities.
