The Forgotten Fourteen Million
The rate of child poverty in the United States is more than double that in most
developed countries. Critics of welfare and other social programs say
government spending doesn't solve poverty. But neither has economic growth.
After the longest peace time expansion in American history, one in five American
children is growing up poor.
There's mounting evidence that poverty is not just a condition; it's often a trap.
Children who grow up poor are more likely to get sick, more likely to die, and far
more likely to fail in school - especially if they've suffered extreme poverty before
the age of six.
"The Forgotten 14 Million" explores why both government and the free market
are failing the most vulnerable young Americans.
Stories
• Falling Behind in Kentucky: One in five American children lives in families with
incomes below the federal poverty line.
• Schooling Poor Kids in Minneapolis: Can schools with an overwhelming
number of poor children succeed?
• Children in the Fields: America's farm industry employs thousands of children
in dangerous conditions.
• The Politics of Child Poverty: Why do Americans tolerate a high rate of child
poverty?
– Poor families only get help when their interests coincide with other,
more favored (economically powerful) constituencies.
• children do not vote, they do not lobby, they don't contribute to
political campaigns
– One of the reasons Americans say that they are concerned about
kids, but seem less willing to act on behalf of kids, especially poor and
vulnerable kids, is that they're not willing to do something to help the
children if it means helping their parents.
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