Ways to break the cycle of poverty

Many reacted with disbelief, others with dismay, at last month’s assertions by Chad Mayes, California Republican Assembly leader, that California has “the highest poverty rate in the nation.” According to Politifact California, “The Supplemental Poverty Measure, which does account for cost-of-living, including taxes, housing and medical costs … is considered by researchers a more accurate reflection of poverty.” Using this measure from the U.S. Census Bureau, California has the highest poverty rate at 20.6 percent, with Florida close behind at 19 percent.