September 18, 2009
The recovery may be on the way for the markets and some sectors of society — but many economy-watchers think it will be some time before things look brighter for many Americans. A recent report from the Census Bureau paints a gloomy picture:
* There were 39.8 million people in poverty in 2008, up from 37.3 million in 2007.
* The number of children living in poverty increased to 14.1 million in 2008, up from 13.3 million in 2007.
* Median household income in the United States fell 3.6 percent between 2007 and 2008.
* The number of people without health insurance coverage rose from 45.7 million in 2007 to 46.3 million in 2008.
Young WorkersA great deal of media attention has been paid to the effect of the downturn on workers over 45 — who indeed are experiencing their highest unemployment rate in decades. But those just entering the workforce have been facing a deteriorating work landscape for a number of years. A new study from the AFL-CIO entitled "Young Workers: A Lost Decade" compares data on workers under 35 with a similar study done in 1999. Among the findings:
* 31 percent of young workers report being uninsured, up from 24 percent 10 years ago, and 79 percent of the uninsured say they don't have coverage because they can't afford it or their employer does not offer it.
* One in three young workers are currently living at home with their parents.
* Only 31 percent say they make enough money to cover their bills and put some money aside—22 percentage points fewer than in 1999—while 24 percent cannot even pay their monthly bills.
* A third cannot pay their bills and seven in 10 do not have enough saved to cover two months of living expenses.
* 37 percent have put off education or professional development because they can't afford it.
...............(more)
The complete piece is at:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/09182009/profile3.html 
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