An additional 10,000 Maine families with children fell below the poverty line last year, according to a new survey from the Census Bureau.
The
63 percent jump from 16,331 in 2001 to 26,564 last year dwarfed the nationwide increase of 6 percent. The American Community Survey, released Wednesday, also reported the number of impoverished single mothers in Maine with children under 18 increased 64.3 percent to 17,862. Nationally, the figure increased just 4 percent.
While experts agree the statistics could be indicative of an alarming trend, they caution against giving the information too much credence.
Lynn Davey, director of Kids Count for the Maine Children's Alliance, said the most shocking aspect is the number of children living in poverty.
http://www.pressherald.com/news/state/030905poverty.shtmlYeah, sure, the economy is improving. You tell 'em, George!