Some interesting new findings just released from the Census Bureau shows the effects of the recession which the government says officially ended in June 2009.
- The top-earning 20 percent of Americans — those making more than $100,000 each year — received 49.4 percent of all income generated in the U.S., compared with the 3.4 percent earned by those below the poverty line.
- At the top, the wealthiest 5 percent of Americans, who earn more than $180,000, added slightly to their annual incomes.
- Three states — New York, Connecticut and Texas — and the District of Columbia had the largest gaps in rich and poor. On the other end of the scale, Alaska, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho and Hawaii had the smallest income gaps.
- The 2009 poverty level was set at $21,954 for a family of four, based on an official government calculation that includes only cash income.
So is your recession over yet?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
the gap in income has been happening for decades, recently it’s become more pronounced.
so why are the poorest of the poor left to their own devices? The middle class fuels the consumer engine so it makes sense they would get so much attention now that they are being hit hard by the economic down turn.
the african american community felt the impact of this recession years ago, but now it’s hitting middle class white america it’s a problem. all american’s experiencing economic hard times ( when the economy is good or bad) should be a priority for this country . all the focus is on the middle class an not the poor, i guess we can continue to ignore them like we always do, pathetic.
1000000000000000% correct & this is precisely why this country will ALWAYS have problems!!!!!!!!!!!!!
what recession?
I can personally attest to the income gap in DC. The recent election that ousted Fenty was partially due to the lack of jobs in Ward 8 (predominately minority). Getting rid of Michelle Rhee was a happy coincidence.
If it’s over why the fuck the keep cutting schools budgets, transportation budgets etc..
i got a job..