New Texas Poverty and Uninsured Numbers Make the Path Forward Clear

Share on Facebook    Share on Twitter

Author:
Frances Deviney /(512) 320-0222 x 106

September 12, 2012

Read Full Article >>  

CPPP on the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey:

“We are encouraged by the Census Bureau’s preliminary report that more Texans have the security of health insurance coverage. The data show the overall uninsured rate slightly improved thanks to the Affordable Care Act."

“But U.S. Census Bureau data show the number of Texans living in poverty remains stubbornly high and unacceptable."

“The preliminary data on the percentage of Texans living in poverty fell by one percentage point to 17.4 percent, which is within the margin of error. Texas has the 6th highest rate in the country, and it remains higher than a decade ago and before the Great Recession. The preliminary state poverty data show nearly one in six Texans lived in poverty in 2011, which is more than 4.4 million people. Nationwide, one in seven lived in poverty. Not only is Texas’ poverty rate higher than the U.S. rate, it has remained so for 30 years."