The recently released 2005 U.S. Census Bureau report on poverty, income and health insurance should be a cause of concern for all of us. Since Missouri’s economy has recovered from the 2001 recession, one would expect a rosier picture. Unfortunately, the census data tell a different story – one of unshared prosperity.
During this period of economic recovery: poverty is higher; many families have lower incomes; and more people lack health insurance than during the recent recession. The median income of Missourians has steadily declined since 2001, decreasing by $5,000.
Tax breaks for the most wealthy have not trickled down to improve the lives of those on the bottom rungs of the economic ladder. It’s time for policy makers at the state and federal levels to take bold action to fight deep, persistent poverty. Investing in health care, child care, education, job preparation and supports for working families is critical to creating prosperity for all of us.
Ruth R. Ehresman
Missouri Budget Project