Each September, the U.S. Census Bureau releases annual statistics measuring poverty, income, and health insurance rates from the previous year. CLASP experts provide commentary and analysis of the data as a resource for policymakers, researchers, journalists, fellow advocates, and the general public. As an antipoverty and racial equity organization, CLASP is committed to advancing evidence-based policy solutions for eradicating poverty among children and families.
Today’s release of the U.S. Census Bureau’s report on poverty and income shows that a strong economy matters for workers and families – yet far more is needed to reduce poverty.
The high cost of child care has a significant impact on families’ economic security and spending power, yet this impact is not captured well in data. It is crucial for more intentional, equitable data to be collected about the state of child care and early…
Despite working full-time, "working poor," folks continue to have low wages due to the outdated federal minimum wage laws. Racial disparities persist, with Black and Hispanic workers disproportionately affected. We must raise the minimum wage to lower poverty.
2023 data from the Census Bureau may show an increase in uninsurance as millions of people were disenrolled from Medicaid starting in April 2023 when one of these provisions expired – with more threats ahead.
While we don't expect major changes in child poverty when the 2023 data are released, a potential 2025 tax package provides an opportunity for improvement.
Youth mental health needs existed before the pandemic; indeed, while these needs were clearly growing for years there has long been a mismatch between the level of need and the services available.