Poverty Rises in Michigan as Income Falls

Devastating news for Michigan was released yesterday by the U.S. Census Bureau. The only state where poverty rose last year, as well as the only one where incomes fell, Michigan demonstrates the free fall of an auto industry no longer relevent to the masses.

For decades Michigan led the country in auto sales and production.

As the auto industry crashes, our state reels from the fallout.

Unfortunately, this has a great affect on the already-poor and the elderly. Anyone on a fixed income knows the reality of our struggle. Prices are rising in the basic areas such as food, utilities, gasoline, and health care. Drug prices have risen dramatically in the last year according to recent reports.

Where will this all end?

According to the Associated Press article (read article by clicking on the title above), "more than 18 percent of Michigan residents get some type of assistance through the state Department of Human Services, said Sheryl Thompson, acting director of outstate operations.

Although general cash assistance is declining, programs that provide food and emergency help with energy and medical bills are growing steadily. The Food Assistance Program is up 136 percent since December 2000."

Governor Granholm is scheduled to attend a "poverty summit" November 13th in Detroit. Hopefully productive steps can and will be taken to stop the slippery slope Michigan currently experiences.

What are your thoughts about this dire situation? What would you like to see come out of the summit? What steps are you taking during this time?