Poverty Rising for Local Children

Despite some improvement in the national economy, poverty in Illinois, especially for children, is rising. The annual Kids Count report shows 21 per cent of children statewide live in poverty, and it's 24 per cent in Rock Island County.

Sue Swisher, a board member of the group Voices for Illinois Children, says that translates into 7,700 children in the county.

And as bad as that is, about half that number of local children live in what's considered "deep poverty," with a family income of just $9,300 per year. 

Swisher worries that spending might be cut in the coming months for several state programs that are critically important for children. 

These programs help low income families get medical care, food assistance, and child care so parents can continue to work.