Study: Third Of Illinois Residents Considered Poor
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A new report shows that a third of Illinois population could be considered poor.
One-Third Of Illinois Residents Poor
WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports that number has been growing.
Amy Rynell, a senior Director with the Heartland Alliance, said her group's annual study highlights the 33 percent of Illinoisans living in poverty or near it.
Rynell says the numbers show more Illinois residents hold minimum wage jobs. And she says poverty is everywhere.
What could change the trends? The Heartland Alliance says things like food stamps and housing assistance help the poor get back on their feet.
Rynell says the economy, and the growth of low-paying service sector jobs, are also factors.
She notes more and more adults are being paid the minimum wage.
