WASHINGTON, DC - Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI) today released the following statement after the U.S. Census Bureau released its annual reports on income and poverty and health insurance coverage for 2015:
“Today’s reports from the Census Bureau show that our nation is making clear and substantial progress with rising incomes, declining poverty, and expanding health insurance coverage for hardworking Americans and their families. Last year, we saw median incomes rise by more than five percent, or nearly $2,800, and the largest single-year drop in the poverty rate since 1968. And despite continued Republican attempts to undermine the Affordable Care Act, the percentage of Americans without health insurance dropped to the lowest level ever recorded.
“Republicans’ expression of disappointment reflects their scrambling to deny even good news. One look at these reports shows that there is no denying America is getting stronger economically. But we have to keep building on this steady record of growth and make sure all Americans benefit from it. That can begin with raising our minimum wage, ensuring equal pay for equal work, closing the mind-boggling tax loopholes that favor the wealthy, and investing in our nation’s crumbling infrastructure. Our work continues as we strive to make sure all Americans have the opportunities and support they need to succeed."
