Get the facts!  The war on poverty is not over.

As today’s theme at the Democratic National Convention in Denver turns to economic struggles, and as the 88th anniversary of women’s suffrage is commemorated, the U.S. Census Bureau released new data today on poverty, income, and health insurance.  Nearly 570,000 Coloradans, or 12 percent, struggle with poverty—the same rate from the previous year.  The trend of increasing child poverty continued with Colorado’s child poverty rate rising slightly to 15.9 percent.  Statewide data also showed that median household income increased from the previous year, and that 16.8 percent of Coloradans are uninsured, which is higher than the national rate.  Nationally, income inequality is a growing problem facing low- and middle-income earners.

“We’re hitting a false flat, where it looks like things were leveling off or getting better, but now are on course to get much worse,” said Kathy White, Project Director of the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute (COFPI).  “We continue to see too little action and too little progress in the fight against poverty. It’s long past time for state leaders to step up and start working to reduce poverty and hardship in Colorado.”

The Census data comes on the heels of other recent alarming news, including a Colorado Children’s Campaign report released in June that shows Colorado has the fastest growing rate of child poverty in the country.  Last year at this time, Colorado was the only state with a significant increase in child poverty, and a COFPI report also released last year showed that one in five households do not earn enough to make ends meet.

Poverty experts also point out that this data is from 2007.  So it does not take into account growing challenges facing families in 2008, such as rising food and fuel prices, increasing overall consumer prices (5.6 percent higher than in July 2007), rising unemployment (at a 3-year high in Colorado), stagnant wage growth, and other disturbing trends. 

As the eyes of the political world focus on Colorado this week, this new data on poverty, income, and health insurance serves as a stark reminder of the very real impact public leaders and public policies have on Coloradans.  While there is much to be proud of in Colorado, there are also some very real struggles that Colorado families are facing every day.  State and federal leaders have the unique opportunity to confront these challenges head-on, with smart, sound policy making. 

“Mile High United Way, along with our many partners, is working hard to help families gain financial stability and self sufficiency,” said Christine Benero, president and CEO of Mile High United Way.  “The facts of poverty in Colorado are not at all reflective of what I know Colorado policy makers to envision for our state.  There is never a more critical time than now for our policy makers to take action and make sure there is a strong, basic safety net for Coloradans who are struggling every day to provide for their families.”

Outraged?  Do something about it!  Donate, volunteer or advocate for Mile High United Way’s Adult Self Sufficiency initiative and become part of the collective generosity of metro Denver.