Poverty is Up in NY. Does Anyone Care?

The WFP issued this press release earlier today.

THE WORKING FAMILIES PARTY

For Immediate Release: August 29, 2006

New Census Data: Poverty Up in NY

WFP Urges Candidates (including Our Own) to Focus on Issue

NEW YORK, NY -- Reacting to the release of new census data that shows poverty up in New York State in 2004-2005, the Working Families Party called on candidates for state office, including those that it has endorsed, to address the issue of poverty in New York.

According to the Census Bureau, the poverty rate increased again in New York State, rising from 14.6% in 2003-2004 to 14.8% in 2004-2005.

"It's a stinging reminder of the class divide here at home, on the first anniversary of Hurrican Katrina, to learn that poverty is rising here in New York. More than 2.5 million New Yorkers living at or under the official poverty level, and millions more struggle to make ends meet. Voters should be hearing more from the candidates, including those we've been endorsed, about their plans to ensure that every New Yorker has access to a living wage job," said Dan Cantor, executive director of the WFP.

The Working Families Party has endorsed Eliot Spitzer for Governor, David Paterson for Lieutenant Governor, Alan Hevesi for State Comptroller and Andrew Cuomo for State Attorney General.

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