The Census Bureau has released data that show a significant annual increase in poverty, rising 1.1 percentage points to 14.3 percent in 2009. A total of 43.6 million live in poverty, the highest since recording began in 1959.
While government leaders are eager to support the rich and middle class, they are leaving the poor behind, said Michael Kinnamon, general secretary of the National Council of Churches.
“Our political leaders’ calculated neglect of the poor while courting the votes of the comfortable offends the Creator of the universe,” Kinnamon said. “Any measures taken should not only stimulate the economy but benefit everyone … .”
