Poverty rates in Michigan remain higher than the national average, according to newly released data from the U.S. Census. The state is still worse off than the rest of the country, but according to the Detroit News, poverty rates in Michigan have lowered nearly one percent from 2013 to last year.
SandraDanziger is a research professor of public policy at the University of Michigan. She says,
“The economic recovery that we’ve all seen in terms of declines in unemployment and growth in GDP...has not begun to yet increase either the median earnings of workers, nor has it begun to reduce poverty for individuals and families.”
Danziger says there are innovative social programs in Michigan that help families and individuals who are experiencing economic hardships. But, she says, although Michigan is showing decreasing poverty, children growing up poor are forced to deal with a variety of disadvantages, some lasting far into adulthood. She adds that it may be time to take another look at how the state's social welfare programs can improve.
Amanda LeClaire is an general assignment reporter, and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact her at 734.487.3363 or email her: aleclair@emich.edu
