New Report highlights OK’s need for assistance programs

A new U.S. Census Poverty Report is highlighting Oklahoma's need for assistance programs.

While the U.S. economy has improved the lives of millions of American, others – especially middle-income and working-class families – are not seeing the same benefits or are unable to lift themselves out of poverty.

The growing talk of a recession could mean hardship for these low-income Americans.

Last year’s data, released by U.S. Census Bureau, showed the national average for food insecurity was around 11%.

Here in Oklahoma that number is at 15%.

Federal assistance programs like refundable tax credits (such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) play important roles in preventing people from falling into poverty.

Amelia Kegan, The Legislative Director of Domestic Policy at the Friends Committee on National Legislation, tells KRMG citizens need to push their legislators to back federally assisted programs like SNAP.

She says urging lawmakers to continue funding these programs can potentially save millions of lives.