The Surprising Poverty Levels Across the U.S.

The article discusses the significant increase in the U.S. poverty rate, which rose to 12.4% in 2022, marking the largest one-year increase in history. This rise is attributed to the expiration of safety net programs like the expanded Child Tax Credit, inflation, and increased living costs, with child poverty more than doubling to 12.4%. The article highlights regional disparities, noting that California, Florida, and Mississippi have the highest poverty rates, with particular challenges faced by Black residents in Mississippi. It also mentions the impact of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) on poverty reduction and the rising poverty rate among Americans over 65, reflecting broader issues of inequality in the U.S. [Extracted from the article]