Monterey, CA Poverty Level Expected To Hit Level Not Seen Since 1965

View From A Non-Profit Serving Carmel, Carmel Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Salinas, Seaside And Soledad California I talk to seniors on a daily basis who are struggling to get by.  Despite the news reports that the economy is improving, it sure doesn't feel like it for many people.  I was not surprised to read in the Monterey Herald that the number of poor people is on track to climb to levels we haven't seen since the 1960's, erasing gains made over a half of a century.  Census figures are scheduled to be released just before the November election and the Associated Press conducted a survey to find out what those in the know project will happen to the poverty rate.  Talking to think tanks, academics and economists, the consensus was that the official poverty rate will rise from 15.1% during 2010 to 15.7% in 2011.  The poverty level was $22,314 for a family of four and $11,139 for an individual the last time it was calculated by the government.  Even if it doesn't go that high, just a 0.1 percentage point increase would put the index at its highest level since 1965.  President Lyndon Johnson created the current Medicare, Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) programs to give people a safety net in 1964.  But with those in poverty continuing to grow, it only further strains cash strapped states as more people qualify for Medi-Cal and Medicaid.  The projected 15.7% poverty rate would mean 1 in 6 American's were officially poor during 2011.  That translates to 47 million people.  Unfortunately, demographers believe that the poverty rate will stay above the 12.5% pre-recession level for many more years.  Only one-third of respondents to a poll in November of 2011 believed that cutting funds for social programs to help the poor was a good idea to help cut the deficit.  Yet that's just what's happening.  Please click on the donate button to help seniors in financial need here on the Central Coast. 

Please note that this blog reflects my personal opinion and may or may not reflect the opinion of HandsTo Help Seniors and the individual members comprising the Board of Governors.