For Immediate Release
November 6, 2013
For More Information Contact:
Raymonde Charles
Press Secretary
202-662-3508 office
rcharles@childrensdefense.org
WASHINGTON, DC – Marian Wright Edelman, president of the Children’s Defense Fund, released the statement below in response to the U.S Census Bureau’s new Supplemental Poverty Measure:
“Child poverty remains at record high levels and the new Supplemental Poverty Measure clearly shows children and families still struggling to stay afloat, struggling to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads.”
“And critically important, the numbers show the effectiveness of key programs that lift children and families out of poverty, especially the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), housing subsidies and the Earned Income Tax Credit. The refundable tax credits lifted 5 million children out of poverty and SNAP lifted another 2.2 million children out of poverty in 2012. The proven effectiveness of these crucial safety net investments shows the wisdom of expanding, not cutting refundable tax credits and nutrition programs. It’s shameful that members of Congress would even consider cutting food assistance programs and other supports for poor children and families still struggling to climb out of the great recession. We must all urge our legislators right now to make the right choices with our tax dollars.”