Poverty and the Social Safety Net in Virginia
Poverty and the Social Safety Net in Virginia
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February 28, 2012
For the Cooper Center's work on the Virginia Poverty Measure (VPM) visit here.
The recent economic downturn and tenuous recovery have left many individuals and their families in precarious financial straits. Income losses – a direct consequence of the recession – are increasing reliance on programs such as unemployment insurance, while an aging baby boom generation swells the ranks of retirees seeking support from social security and medicare. This two-part series addresses poverty in Virginia, and the group of public programs broadly called the “social safety net.” Part I examines the current state of poverty, providing a demographic analysis of the poor across the commonwealth. Part II illuminates the role of public programs developed to alleviate poverty and support secure financial futures for individuals across the economic spectrum.
Read the Reports
Part I: Who Are Virginia's Poor?
Part II: The Role of the Social Safety Net
Virginia poverty statistics reflect the depth and extent of economic deprivation among those who live in or near poverty. While Virginia has a low poverty rate compared to other states, there are stark differences in poverty rates across demographic groups and across regions within the commonwealth.
In the broadest terms, social safety net programs provide assistance for low-income households and help insure individuals across the economic spectrum against the risk of falling into poverty. Forty-six percent of Virginia households receive some form of social safety net assistance. Without support from these programs, a larger number of Virginians would live with incomes below the poverty line.
Related Articles:
Building Economic Security for Virginia Families - Feb. 14, 2011
Virginia Medicaid Now and Under Health Reform - Sept. 20, 2010