1/3 Of Milw. School-Age Children Live in Poverty
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- New U.S. Census Bureau figures show the extent of poverty in Milwaukee.
The Census Bureau estimates one of every three school-age children in Milwaukee lived in poverty in 2005.
Milwaukee ranks sixth highest overall among the nation's 70 biggest school districts.
Statewide, 12 percent of children ages five to 17 live with a family in poverty.
Messmer Catholic Schools president Brother Bob Smith says he sees the impact of poverty every day in Milwaukee. Eighty percent of the 1,500 students in Messmer schools are eligible for free school breakfasts and lunches.
Smith says recently one student skipped school because her family was homeless and she couldn't get her uniform washed. He says children come to school in need of a warm coat or money for bus fares.
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Information from: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, http://www.jsonline.com
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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