14.3 Percent Poverty Rate - Obama to Blame?

by  Michael Thompson, Contributing Writer

We are hearing that the federal poverty rate of 14.3 percent in the highest since the 1960s.

Before criticism is directed at President Barack Obama, however, consider these points:

1) Obama fought to extend unemployment benefits, but an individual who receives $300 still heads a family in poverty. $300 per week equals $15,000 per year. The federal poverty income is about $20,000 for a family of four.

2) Obama pushed to raise the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour. Anyone lucky enough to get full-time hours in the minimum wage economy still is bringing home a scant $290 per week .... again, below the poverty level.

These folks may officially remain in poverty under Obama, but they would be in far worse shape if he had not been elected president. Health care legislation eventually will bring them into the system as well.