So What do we look like

Who are the Poor? In 2010, 15.1 percent of all persons lived in poverty. Approximately 47 million or 1 in 7 In 2010, 15.1 percent of all persons lived in poverty. Approximately 47 million or 1 in 7 But number of “food insecure” has risen to 56 Million But number of “food insecure” has risen to 56 Million Number of uninsured 50.7 million Number of uninsured 50.7 million New Data U.S. Census.gov New Data U.S. Census.gov New Poverty since the recession New Poverty since the recession New Poverty since the recession New Poverty since the recession......

So how do we measure poverty relative versus absolute relative versus absolute When a low cost food budget cost more than one third monthly income for a family When a low cost food budget cost more than one third monthly income for a family “thrifty food plan” updated each year using the consumer price index “thrifty food plan” updated each year using the consumer price index

What determines poverty… Age is a major factor 16.4 million or 36 percent of those in poverty are children under 18 years of age. Source: million or 36 percent of those in poverty are children under 18 years of age. Source: Kids represent 36 percent of those in poverty Kids represent 36 percent of those in poverty One in five kids are poor in the U.S. (22%) One in five kids are poor in the U.S. (22%) Children 18 and under in Arkansas 29% Children 18 and under in Arkansas 29% Over 65, social security is the safety net [??] Over 65, social security is the safety net [??]

Race is a major factor Although most poor persons are white – the within group proportions are much higher for minorities Although most poor persons are white – the within group proportions are much higher for minorities White households have 10 times the wealth of black families White households have 10 times the wealth of black families Poverty rates for blacks and Hispanics greatly exceed the national average. In 2010, 27.4 percent of blacks and 26.6 percent of Hispanics were poor, compared to 9.9 percent of non-Hispanic whites and 12.1 percent of Asians. Poverty rates for blacks and Hispanics greatly exceed the national average. In 2010, 27.4 percent of blacks and 26.6 percent of Hispanics were poor, compared to 9.9 percent of non-Hispanic whites and 12.1 percent of Asians. 9.9 % Whites 9.9 % Whites 27 % Blacks 27 % Blacks 26.6 % Hispanics 26.6 % Hispanics 12.1 % Asians 12.1 % Asians 23% Other 23% Other Source: National Poverty Center Source: National Poverty Center

Education is a factor poverty by race and education Education Education All Races White African American Hispanic No diploma High School Graduate Some college College degree (or more)

Arkansas Educational Breakdown Not a high school graduate Percent17%15%16%14%15% High school diploma or GED Percent58% 57% 55% Associate's degree Percent6%7%8% Bachelor's degree Percent14% 13%14%15% Graduate degree Percent6% 7%

Percent of college students in Arkansas with debt: 55% 55%

Gender is a factor female headed households Feminization of Poverty – women and girls constitute a disproportionate share of the poor. female headed households Feminization of Poverty – women and girls constitute a disproportionate share of the poor. Due to divorce, unwed mothers, lower wages than men Due to divorce, unwed mothers, lower wages than men Older women are twice as likely to be poor than older men Older women are twice as likely to be poor than older men Households…. Households…. 44 percent female headed versus 15.8 male headed 44 percent female headed versus 15.8 male headed 6.2 percent for married families 6.2 percent for married families

Geography is a factor Rural versus Urban Rural versus Urban Southern region has highest rates with more rural areas – some individual metropolitan areas have high rates Southern region has highest rates with more rural areas – some individual metropolitan areas have high rates

"In 1960, about one in four renters paid more than 30 percent of income for housing. Today, one in two are cost burdened," according to the study, America's Rental Housing. "In 1960, about one in four renters paid more than 30 percent of income for housing. Today, one in two are cost burdened," according to the study, America's Rental Housing.America's Rental HousingAmerica's Rental Housing

Other influences If we start with the 47 million If we start with the 47 million Working poor – an additional 10.8 million – those who earn up to 125% poverty = 57.8 Million Working poor – an additional 10.8 million – those who earn up to 125% poverty = 57.8 Million If we use a more realistic measure (“working class”) of 155% poverty (e.g., 31,000 for a family of 4),the total is 18 million If we use a more realistic measure (“working class”) of 155% poverty (e.g., 31,000 for a family of 4),the total is 18 million Subtotal of the poor = 65.8 million Subtotal of the poor = 65.8 million Add those lifted out of poverty via social security benefits (16 million) Add those lifted out of poverty via social security benefits (16 million) Subtotal of poor = 82 Million (approximately 1 in 4 Americans are poor or at risk of poverty) Subtotal of poor = 82 Million (approximately 1 in 4 Americans are poor or at risk of poverty)

Meet the Smiths What would life be like in northwest Arkansas for a family of 4 with two minimum wage earners? Official poverty guideline is $22, 050 What would life be like in northwest Arkansas for a family of 4 with two minimum wage earners? Official poverty guideline is $22, 050

Working families in Arkansas A full time minimum wage worker in Arkansas working 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, will earn $ per week, or $15, per year. The national poverty line for a family unit consisting of two people is $14,570/year. A full time minimum wage worker in Arkansas working 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, will earn $ per week, or $15, per year. The national poverty line for a family unit consisting of two people is $14,570/year.

Roberto, Alice.. and two kids – Both work $30,160 - Approximately $6937 in Taxes - [federal, state, Medicare and OASDI] - Net Income to work with is - $23, Divided by 12 = $

$ 1935 to work with…….. Rent: Rent: Utilities: Utilities: Car Payment: Car Payment: Child care Child care Groceries: Groceries: Insurance: Insurance: Clothing: Clothing: Medicine: Medicine: Entertainment: Entertainment:

Living wages are those wages necessary to meet minimum monthly expenses. Living wages are those wages necessary to meet minimum monthly expenses. Arkansas advocates for Children and Families argues that Roberto and Alice would need to earn approximately $13.70 per hour in order to meet their family’s basic needs Arkansas advocates for Children and Families argues that Roberto and Alice would need to earn approximately $13.70 per hour in order to meet their family’s basic needs