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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
September 16, 2014 Joseph Rendeiro
(202) 776-1566
jrendeiro@nclr.org
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Earlier today, the U.S. Census Bureau released new data showing that Latinos’ hard work is translating into higher income and lower poverty. There were 900,000 fewer Latinos, including 500,000 fewer Latino children, living in poverty in 2013 compared to the previous year. However, wide disparities remain. The Latino poverty rate remains high at 23.5 percent for 2013, nearly twice the national poverty rate of 14.5 percent. Prior to the Great Recession, the poverty rate for Latinos was 20.6 percent. In 2013, a four-person family was considered poor if income fell below $23,624.
“We are pleased to see an improvement in these indicators of economic well-being. Half a million fewer Latino children in poverty is a testament to our community’s commitment to hard work and sacrifice,” said Eric Rodriguez, Vice President of the Office of Research, Advocacy and Legislation at NCLR (National Council of La Raza). “However, all American workers, including Latinos, would have experienced greater gains had it not been for the congressional choices that have stunted economic growth and slashed investments in education, housing and nutrition services. This austerity agenda, together with stagnant wages, has left too many working families without sufficient income or supports to meet their basic needs.”
In a July poll by NCLR and Latino Decisions, Latino voters acknowledged that the economy is improving, but they remain anxious about their personal finances. Ahead of the midterm elections, large shares of Latino voters are anxious about losing a job, and 70 percent of respondents say they are not earning enough to cover their basic expenses. The Latino unemployment rate is 7.5 percent, compared to 6.1 percent for all workers.
“We are encouraged to see many Latinos returning to the labor market; however, wages are not keeping pace with the cost of living and too many people are struggling to work their way out of poverty,” continued Rodriguez. “Meanwhile, raising the federal minimum wage to $10.10 per hour would boost the income of nearly seven million Latino workers.”
Policymakers’ support of a higher minimum wage and restored investment in Latino priorities will factor into how Latinos vote in November. A majority (55 percent) of Latinos in the July poll said that they were more likely to vote for a candidate who supports raising the minimum wage. Nearly half (47 percent) of those polled on the eve of the federal budget agreement last year said that they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who voted for continuing budget cuts to government programs. Social safety net programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and Social Security are especially important to lowering Latino child poverty.
“As with other Americans, job security and personal finances top the list of concerns for Latino voters this election season,” concluded Rodriguez. “Our community will support leaders who demonstrate that they are listening and support action that results in lifting wages and helping families make ends meet.”
NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.
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