« Reply #20 on: April 30, 2014, 10:58:16 PM »
California: America's poorest state Published on Nov 20, 2012
California is known as the home of Hollywood and the largest collection of billionaires in America, but new data shows that California is also America's poorest state.
The US Census Bureau says California's poverty rate is nearly 24 percent. This represents a huge jump over the state's previous poverty rate of 16 percent. The figures mean that nearly 1 in 4 Californians are living in poverty.
Experts say the high cost of living is a main cause of the poverty jump. Officials in Los Angeles say poor communities of color have been affected the most. They say corporations have purchased low-income housing across the city and forced the tenants out.
Experts say California is also not utilizing it's growing immigrant population.
The majority of the state's college students are immigrants and will likely determine the state's future.
Immigrant advocates say the poverty level would be lower if officials took action to give immigrants a path toward citizenship.
The numbers from the Census Bureau are part of a new method of determining U-S poverty. The study takes a closer look at housing, medical costs and food assistance programs.
Researchers say it will be some time before Californians recover. Experts say Californians are also experiencing the worst income inequality in America.
Census Bureau data shows that the upper class is making more money, despite the economy.
Officials at the state capitol say they plan to address the growing inequality by implementing the new tax approved by voters in November.
This tax affects only the state's top earners, with the money going to support education and other social programs.
« Last Edit: April 30, 2014, 10:58:56 PM by juan »
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"true love is life's best treasure.
wealth and fame may pass away,
bring no joy or lasting pleasure.
true love abides all way.
through the world i'll gladly go,
if one true love i know."
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