Poverty rate soars for children in Springfield

Associated Press - September 24, 2007 7:24 AM ET

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - Recent figures from the U.S. Census Bureau show that 44.6% of children in Springfield are living below the federal poverty line.

That's more than three times the statewide average of 12.4% and more than twice the national average, which stood at 18.3% in 2006.

According to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, Springfield's poverty rate for children was the sixth highest in the nation among cities with populations of 65,000 or higher.

Experts say one reason is lower housing costs that are attracting poor and immigrant families to the Connecticut River Valley.

UMass-Amherst economist Nancy Folbre tells the Republican newspaper of Springfield the rising poverty rate will have a long-term impact on children and require more spending in the future on education, social services and fighting crime.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://www.eyewitnessnewstv.com/Global/ ... ?S=7118130