[Rhode Island] Census survey shows childhood poverty increasing in Rhode Island

From WSTV

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Childhood poverty is increasing in Rhode Island. The US Census Bureau reports that more than 50-thousand Rhode Island children under age 18 lived below the federal poverty threshold in 2004.

That's 21 percent of the state's children and is up from 16 percent in 2000. Rhode Island now claims the highest child poverty rate in New England. The survey also found Providence ties with New Orleans for the third poorest city for children, in cities with populations exceeding 100-thousand.

Hartford ranks first and Brownsville, Texas is second. Anti-poverty advocates say there are many reasons for the increase, including stagnant earnings, low-paying jobs and the high number of children living in single-parent households.