Number Of Americans In Poverty Up Slightly

But Those Without Health Insurance Fell By More Than 1 Million Last Year; Median Income Up

(CBS/AP)  The Census Bureau reports that 12.5 percent of Americans, or 37.3 million people, were living in poverty in 2007, up from 36.5 million in 2006.

The Bureau said the rate is not statistically different from the previous year. However, the data released Tuesday do not take into account the consequences of the economic downturn that began late last year.

Although poverty rates were statistically unchanged for non-Hispanic Whites (8.2 percent), Blacks (24.5 percent), and Asians (10.2 percent) from the previous year, it increased for Hispanics (21.5 percent in 2007, up from 20.6 percent in 2006).

The rate also increased for children under 18 years old (18.0 percent in 2007, up from 17.4 percent in 2006). The rates remained statistically unchanged for those 18-to-64 years old (10.9 percent) and those 65 and over (9.7 percent).

The data also revealed that the number of people lacking health insurance dropped by more than 1 million in 2007, the first annual decline since President Bush took office.

Census says 45.7 million people - 15.3 percent of the population - were uninsured in 2007. That's down from 47 million in 2006.

Government health insurance coverage increased to 83.0 million people (up from 80.3 million in 2006), while there was little change in the number of those covered by private health insurance (202 million in 2077, up from 201.7 million in 2006)

Both the percentage and number of children under 18 years old without health insurance were lower than in 2006 (11.0 percent and 8.1 million, respectively). Although the uninsured rate for children in poverty decreased last year, from 19.3 percent to 17.6 percent, children in poverty were more likely to be uninsured than all children.

In 2007, 24.5 percent of people in households with annual incomes of less than $25,000 had no health insurance coverage.

The data is included in a new report by the Census Bureau, Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2007.

The report showed that by region, the number of those living in poverty in the South increased to 15.5 million in 2007 (14.2 percent), up from 14.9 million in 2006. The poverty rates for the Northeast (11.4 percent), Midwest (11.1 percent), and West (12.0 percent) were statistically unchanged from 2006.

Among the positive findings: The median - or midpoint - household income (adjusted for inflation) increased 1.3 percent between 2006 and 2007, from $49,568 to $50,233, the third consecutive annual increase.

Number in Poverty and Poverty Rate: 1959 to 2007

(U.S. Census Bureau)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, 1960 to 2008 Annual Social and Economic SupplementsThe data was collected from the Current Population Survey (CPS), 2008 Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC), the source of official poverty estimates. The CPS ASEC is a sample survey of approximately 100,000 households nationwide.

CBSNews.com producer David Morgan contributed to this report.

[barbaram99]

we the poor. All my life poor. Yet it is the poor that are hurt the most. We are everywhere in Ameica.
We are white,black,etc. Handicapped and non handicapped. We are male and female. We are young and old. We are poorly schooled and unskilled. We love America does she love us. I don''t know.

[antoniof123]

The poor in America is quite sad for the riches country in the world to have one starving mouth is an crime in our society.

Too bad so many don''t see it that way.

[cbsfan73]

What happened to the war on poverty? I suppose it is like the Iraq war that we are currently in.

[slim1h2o]

Government health insurance coverage increased to 83.0 million people (up from 80.3 million in 2006), while there was little change in the number of those covered by private health insurance (202 million in 2077, up from 201.7 million in 2006)

Hey CBS editors,Do you see whats wrong in the above paragraph? I do.

But, anyways, these numbers in this entire article is skewed. They should go back further, and the results would be staggering. Compared to just last year, Lets look at it from lets say,,2004, or 05. Those numbers would spike in 05, I believe.

[cbsfan73]

I remember when Laura Bush would come on the radio and TV begging for donations to help feed the hungry.

If I were a leader of this nation, that would embarrass me to no end that I was not serving the citizens. It seems some no sense of shame.

[cbsfan73]

We can''t feed our own hungry but we can provide food and medical care free of charge for Illegal aliens.

P.S. Have you noticed that the media has quit using the term "aliens" as it has been deemed cruel.

[credibility2]

The status of immigrant was always used to indicate a legally documented resident. Criminal illegals are illegal aliens. Period. We should ban automatic citizenship to kids born in this country by the illegal alien. It would dramatically decrease the number of criminal illegal aliens we have in this country.

[cbsfan73]

This really seems appalling with record sales and long backlogs of high end luxury items. It''s clear that the wealthy have other uses for the money they gained through legalized extortion.

Maybe if they were not allowed to open tax sheltered corporations off shore as in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.

More and more I find that most of society''s ills can be directly linked to these wealthy folks that love to exploit and hate to pay taxes.

[cbsfan73]

To: demslie2u

Don''t get sidetracked with politics. This issue is not a Republican or Democrat issue. The problem is with the wealthy being greedy.

[nglitz]

So what defines poverty these days? Only two TVs? Not enough food to hit 250 pounds?

[william_lerd]

People live in poverty because they are lazy and want to.

[cbsfan73]

Hey Mr. Rich, one out of every eight people you see as you drive down the street are living in poverty.

[cbsfan73]

william_lerd wrote:
"People live in poverty because they are lazy and want to."

An easy cop-out. Ebenezer Scrooge said the same thing.

The reason that so many people live in poverty are that the wealthy love to exploit and hate paying taxes.

Taxes that could better educate and treat mental issues in this nation.

[cbsfan73]

nglitz wrote:
"So what defines poverty these days? Only two TVs? Not enough food to hit 250 pounds?"

Do a Google search for "poverty guidelines".

[Syndicate]

Poverty is an odd idea in the US. The government will give you a house. They will give you food. They will even give you spending money. They will even pay for your doctor. To me Poverty is having no shelter and no food and generally being at extreme risk of death due to hunger and exposure. Poverty does not exist in the United States unless you count all those poor stupid people who think working for a living is the way to get ahead.

[hermitdave]

Only a very stupid human would believe anything released by a government controlled by the Bush gang. Never in history have we had such a group of proven LIARS.

[cbsfan73]

cbscrash07 wrote:
"To me Poverty is having no shelter and no food and generally being at extreme risk of death due to hunger and exposure."

Way to tell ''em Ebenezer!

[vnveteran72]

Mrs. Pappy: "John, I don''t want to shake hands with any more of these Peasants and Dirty Little People"...

Pappy: "Hey I know what you mean, but I''ve got no choice till after I take over as the new Dictator"...
"We''ll just put your arm in a cast and say you can''t shake any more hands, OK Baby"???

Mrs. Pappy: "Don''t ever call me Baby again, you wrinkled, slobbering, old fool"....

[lazareth-2009]

Half of the poverty is because people are too dammm lazy to get off there a$$es and get a job. Many depend on the gov. to support them. Makes me sick

[wangbang]

Have you ever talked to a poor person? They are really, really stupid. Now, in this country, you can be stupid but still be successful if you work hard. But most poor people are not only stupid, they are lazy as sh*t. And that''s a combination you cannot overcome.

[redbds]

Poverty guidlines are based on number of family members and total household income. The current guidlines provide that a family of 4 earning $21,200 or less is living in poverty. Of course these do not take into account any adjustment based on where you live.

Source: http://aspe.hhs.gov/POVERTY/08fedreg.htm

[lazareth-2009]

wangbang747
-----------
My thoughts exactly.

[lovegetpeace]

Posted by cbsfan73 at 01:40 PM : Aug 26, 2008

Let''s cut taxes again to further bankrupt this government. Even the U.S. Military is running on a mortgage. China and Saudi Arabia are ready to loan America more $$$.

[whiskyrokkr]

$hitbums----the whole lot of them

[redbds]

Now, in this country, you can be stupid but still be successful if you work hard. But most poor people are not only stupid, they are lazy as sh*t. And that''''s a combination you cannot overcome.

Posted by wangbang747 at 02:30 PM : Aug 26, 2008

You must be doomed then.

[cbsfan73]

lazareth wrote:
"Half of the poverty is because people are too dammm lazy to get off there a$$es and get a job. Many depend on the gov. to support them. Makes me sick"

Since being raised from the dead, seems that you would be a wiser man.

[omega39-2009]

Only a very stupid human would believe anything released by a government controlled by the Bush gang. Never in history have we had such a group of proven LIARS.

Posted by hermitdave at

Oh I have no doubt the median income went up, especially if you count the prosperity of the top 5% in that number.

[lovegetpeace]

Posted by lazareth at 02:22 PM : Aug 26, 2008

I will sit here lazy and watch TV. What are you going to do to lift up my Hopes of getting a job?

[cbsfan73]

To wangbang:

I feel much more sorry for the lazy and stupid than I do for the greedy that refuse to help them.

[cbsfan73]

To: lovegetpeace
"Let''''s cut taxes again to further bankrupt this government. Even the U.S. Military is running on a mortgage. China and Saudi Arabia are ready to loan America more $$$."

Obviously you have confused me with another poster.

[screan_name]

Don''t worry America. Bush and McSame are doing fine even if you aren''t their houses are paid off and they have millions in the bank. I guess that''s why they both say the economy is doing really well.

[redbds]

I feel much more sorry for the lazy and stupid than I do for the greedy that refuse to help them.

Posted by cbsfan73 at 02:39 PM : Aug 26, 2008

Those of us that work hard and pay taxes don''t mind helping the poor. But, you cannot help those who refuse to help themselves. Welfare has been twisted into a system that allows lazy people to remain lazy and get something for nothing. You should have to work in some capacity to collect a welfare check.

[lovegetpeace]

Folks,

Go ahead and bad mouth the people at the bottom of the ladder. However, that is never going to fix your problems with them. I thought you were much smarter than that. Their problems is your problems. Blaming them is like blaming yourself since we are all in the same boat.

[credibility2]

How many of these are criminal illegal aliens which I believe the Census included in their count? This number shouldn''t be given any credence, as it skews the final numbers.

[redbds]

Don''''t worry America. Bush and McSame are doing fine even if you aren''''t their houses are paid off and they have millions in the bank. I guess that''''s why they both say the economy is doing really well.

Posted by Screan_name at 02:42 PM : Aug 26, 2008

And Oblama made $4 million last year. Pretty good for a senator. By the way the liberals are in control of congress. They have been for the past two years and have done nothing to help the ecomomy.

[lovegetpeace]

The number of people on some kind of Welfare is about 1/3 of what they were in 1993. Go ahead blame welfare as if that''s going to really fix it.

[cbsfan73]

redbds wrote:
"You should have to work in some capacity to collect a welfare check."

Look at the poverty guidelines.

Being in the poverty category does not mean that you are drawing welfare. It means that you don''t make enough money to have a basic standard of living.

You try working for minimum wage (roughly $14K per year) and see if you can break the poverty level.

[redbds]

The number of people on some kind of Welfare is about 1/3 of what they were in 1993. Go ahead blame welfare as if that''''s going to really fix it.

Posted by lovegetpeace at 02:47 PM : Aug 26, 2008

I guess things aren''t as bad as the liberals would have us believe then. Great job by the Bush administratin.

[redbds]

The number of people on some kind of Welfare is about 1/3 of what they were in 1993. Go ahead blame welfare as if that''''s going to really fix it.

Posted by lovegetpeace at 02:47 PM : Aug 26, 2008

I guess things aren''t as bad as the liberals would have us believe then. Great job by the Bush administratin.

[aj4321-2009]

Breaking News: Voters supporting McCain are urged to stock up on Soup Bowls.

George W Bush has given us two recessions in eight years. And he had an MBA. For a self-described ignorant of economic issues, John McCain will set a record and bring us two recessions in four years. As a results, economists are urging McCain supporters to stock-up on Soup Bowls and keep their shoes for the bread-lines handy. The recessions under McCain will make 1929 look like a prosperous time.

It is specially true for Seniors. After gettin rid the "disgraced" social security program, most of the seniors today will fall below the poverty line as they used to be in the past. Althougth it will be hard to watch for us, McCain and his buddies will be at a country club where they will be shielded from this ugly state of the country.

Spread the word.

[lovegetpeace]

Posted by Credibility2 at 02:45 PM : Aug 26, 2008

Eliminate the Quota system so they can get their Legal Documents and not have to wait 24.8 years in line. This problem is fixed.

[redbds]

Being in the poverty category does not mean that you are drawing welfare. It means that you don''''t make enough money to have a basic standard of living.

You try working for minimum wage (roughly $14K per year) and see if you can break the poverty level.

Posted by cbsfan73 at 02:49 PM : Aug 26, 2008

I posted that in response to a comment about helping the poor. It had nothing to do with how the poverty level is set.

[whiskyrokkr]

lovegetpeace
------------
get off your lazy a$$ and get a job.

[lovegetpeace]

Posted by redbds at 02:50 PM : Aug 26, 2008

"Great job by the Bush administratin."

Yep, Bravo to president Bush for these poverty numbers.

[lovegetpeace]

Posted by whiskyrokkr at 02:52 PM : Aug 26, 2008

Hire me now since my last job was OutSourced to India and I am now competing with InSourced (H1B) candidates.

[cbsfan73]

angryman55 wrote:
"I will a stupid person a sick person a poor person, but, I aint givin a lazy person SH*T!"

How would you tell the difference? Some laziness comes from mental issues that were never addressed in childhood.

You go out and work for minimum wage and then tell me how motivated you are.

[lazareth-2009]

cbsfan73
--------
Are you one of those freeloading,lazy Americans who live off the gov.?

[lazareth-2009]

cbsfan73
--------
Are you one of those freeloading,lazy Americans who live off the gov.?

[redbds]

Eliminate the Quota system so they can get their Legal Documents and not have to wait 24.8 years in line. This problem is fixed.

Posted by lovegetpeace at 02:50 PM : Aug 26, 2008

Rent a fleet of Greyhound busses to collect them and drop them at the nearest border crossing. Heavily fine any employer that employees them. Bar any illegal alien found in the US from ever being able to apply for residency or legally enter the US for any reason. Those measures would fix the problem.

[redbds]

"Great job by the Bush administratin."

Yep, Bravo to president Bush for these poverty numbers.

Posted by lovegetpeace at 02:52 PM : Aug 26, 2008

That was a great job because only about 1/3 as many people are on welfare as there were in 1993.