Bill Text: MI HR0169 | 2009-2010 | 95th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution recognizing October 2009 as Poverty Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2009-10-15 - Adopted [HR0169 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2009-HR0169-Introduced.html
Rep. Spade offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 169.
A resolution recognizing October 2009 as Poverty Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, Michigan must focus on reducing poverty and preventing citizens from descending into poverty, specifically during these economically challenging times; and
Whereas, In the state of Michigan, an increasing amount of individuals cannot afford to meet their basic needs; and
Whereas, According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2008, the official poverty rate for the state of Michigan was 14.4 percent with 1.4 million living in poverty, equating to approximately one in every seven Michiganders; and
Whereas, Michigan's children are the state’s most valuable resource. Poverty disproportionately affects Michigan's children with one in every five children living in poverty; and
Whereas, In 2008, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the official national poverty rate for the United States was 13.2 percent with 39.8 million people living below the poverty line; this statistic was up from 12.5 percent or 37.3 million in 2007; and
Whereas, Nineteen percent or 14.1 million children in the United States were living in poverty in 2008, up from 18 percent or 13.3 million in 2007; and
Whereas, The General Assembly of the United Nations has declared October 17th as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty; and
Whereas, The number of individuals and families facing poverty in our state and nation is increasing due to economic hardships and lack of employment; and
Whereas, Greater attention must be placed on the poor and low income in order to break the cycle of poverty; and
Whereas, It is critical to draw state-wide and national attention to this very important issue so that citizens across the state of Michigan are educated and in a better position to bring about the eradication of poverty and destitution; now, therefore, be it
Resolved the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body recognize October 2009 as Poverty Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.
