I am a bit busy today. Have not read the article but Leigh, I know you are sure of your facts.  I hope the articles were written by different reporters. And you know me I will us this as a change to go off in a slightly different but a related direction. 

 I want the newspapers to carry the words of the poor on topics. Below I will include one item which I am busy with-composed it today.

I also want to invite every reader here to help toward the ends of getting the press to tell the real stories by on Dec. 10 using their search engines to look up the word poverty on Yahoo, and Google and any other sites. So Poverty reaches in the top ten. And activists like my self can point out their ARE People out there who give a dam about ending "poverty."

 You Can  End Poverty? It Costs Only Your Time.

I sent this out to the NH Homeless Listserv. Would like any other ideas on places who might print.

NO FRILLS HERE. By Jan LightfootLane

"Saving money and diverting cash away from unnecessary frills and wasteful spending into investment payments such as the stock market." That is a line from investment advice on building a nest egg for retirement.

But those making less then the amount to pay the rent and buy enough food to remain healthy,

seldom go out for a "lavish" dinners for two costing $100. In my nearly 60 years I have done that once.  Usually $100 is two weeks income for food for two. This is under the tightest food budget, of USDA recommends.  On the menu is a lot of Pasta-only there is no iron in pasta.

Food is one place a family whose work is undervalued can cut back.  But in the long run it costs in the quality of ones health.  Depending upon a person's back group the staple might also be oatmeal, eggs, mac., and cheese, or ham hocks, and black eyed beans, nothing intended to be the sole nutrient for humans.

 The little know fact is only 30% of American are paid enough for a healthy diet and the rent plus utilities. This means people who think of themselves as middle class, eat less than the budget diet recommended by the USDA. There are 120 million out there whose routine food regime is less then adequate. We are not talking about sliding by on a thrifty budget a week here or there. It is every week.

Most people working as hard as they can, for a couple dollars over minimum wage, and some on TANF or SSI are paid way under the cost HUD places on Fair market value rents. In Maine a Mother of two is lucky to get $348, a month. Even If she received $450 a month that is way under the one bedroom at $725. And we are talking about Vermin filled plaster falling down rents, as well as the nice ones. 

Yet there are no articles telling the minimum wage worker, the disabled nor the upmost important job in the world being a parent, how to survive.  We of poverty do not usually EVER get a $100 meal.  Maybe if people where aware of what the underpaid does, they would value every job, as worthy of enough pay to healthily thrive.

The poor do not require more credit- they need more income. US Senator Ted Kennedy said and I intensely agree, "Anyone working for a living should not be in poverty."  I believe all Americans should have their basics needs meant. Only 70% of all workers can not Buy food, heat, clothes, medical needs and forget about repairs, and beauty creams, plus pay their rent at the same time.   For us underpaid, repairs are seen in the ranks of a luxury.  Who is with me on wanting to see financial tips for people on food stamps and those 10 over who do not Qualify But are among the 70% of people who are underpaid.

The poor are people who cannot cut out lavish dining out experiences a plate, because they cannot afford such.  Real Living tips based on poverty, means going back to the free food hand at the supermarket a couple of times.  Taking off your coat, or putting on glasses. That will not do a thing for your retirement nest egg.  But it could keep you alive, to get you to retirement age.