May 12, 2008
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The Candidates’ Positions
Hillary Clinton
U.S. Senator from New York.
Barack Obama

U.S. Senator from Illinois.
John Edwards
Former U.S. Senator from North Carolina.
Mike Gravel
Former U.S. Senator (AK)
    >> More on Election 2008

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Fast Facts
  1. The poverty line—the annual income level below which one is considered poor—is the cost of food for one year multiplied by three, with some other adjustments.
  2. In 2005, the federal poverty line was set at $16,090 for a family of three and $19,350 for a family of four.
  3. Five percent of families have a total income of less than $10,000.
  4. Roughly 37 million people live below the poverty line in the United States.



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Poverty   

Poverty can be defined either in terms of a definite income level or as a relative condition that changes as society redefines it. Most economists agree that a safe definition of poverty is the inability, through lack of income or wealth, to provide decent housing, clothing, health care, nutrition, or education for oneself or one's family.

Poverty Overview

A crack cocaine dependency makes it difficult for forty-two-year-old Stella Tate to keep a job, pay rent, or maintain stable relationships. Consequently, Tate---who also suffers from arthritis, heart problems, and seizures---has spent several years living on the streets. During these years, she would sleep under park benches, covering herself with…>> (read more)

 

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Poverty in the News

Byline: Elizabeth Fernandez; Chronicle Staff Writer

A black child in West Oakland is much more likely to be born prematurely and into poverty than a white child…>> (read more)

Byline: Heidi Benson; Chronicle Staff Writer

With the economy eclipsing the Iraq war as Americans' top concern this election year and the gap between rich and poor…>> (read more)

Byline: Kevin Fagan

A rally will be held Wednesday in front of San Francisco City Hall to call attention to the plight of impoverished populations throughout the…>> (read more)


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Poverty Statistics