A Tale of Two States: Child Poverty in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has one of the highest median family incomes in the nation, yet its percentage of children who are poor has hovered for years at 13%, even in better economic times. 

Child Poverty in Massachusetts: A Tale of Two States was released a month ago and outlines some of the reasons why poverty persists in Massachusetts, including job losses over time, shifts in the labor market, and our high cost of living.  The report cites polling data showing strong bi-partisan support among voters for providing greater economic security to help lift children and families out of poverty.  Multiple State Poverty Reduction Initiatives are presented with four components of a proposed Massachusetts Initiative.

The Report is funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, in collaboration with Massachusetts Kids Count and Massachusetts Citizens for Children.