Census Bureau data released August 29 shows that, although 2005 marked the fourth year of economic growth, the poverty rate in America remains the same in 2005 as it was in 2004.

From 2001 to 2004, as the U.S. economy slowly improved, the percentage of Americans living in poverty actually grew, and the current percentage of Americans living in poverty in 2005 (12.6 percent) remains statistically the same as it was in 2004. In fact, the percentage of Americans living in poverty in 2005 is higher than when the recession was at its worst in 2001 (when it was 11.7 percent). To make matters worse, 360,000 more children lack health insurance than in 2004. These startling statistics demonstrate the need for our government officials to focus on alleviating poverty in this country.

Unfortunately, as Congress reconvenes after Labor Day, they plan to work on legislation that would give more tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans, including a dramatic permanent reduction in the tax paid on multi-million dollar estates. As your elected officials return to Washington, they should act to alleviate poverty, not pass more tax breaks for the wealthy. As Isaiah 58 says, "If you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness."

Please take some time to read the Census Bureau's latest reports on poverty in America. Share these facts with people on your block and in your congregation. Be on the lookout for ELCA action alerts in the next few months and speak up for more just policies. Together, as Christians, we can speak from our biblical mandate to public officials on behalf of those who are not heard.

To download the latest reports, visit:
Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2005: http://www.census.gov/prod/2006pubs/p60-231.pdf

Income, Earnings, and Poverty Data from the 2005 American Community Survey: http://www.census.gov/prod/2006pubs/acs-02.pdf