More Are Poor & Lack Health Insurance August 26, 2004                                                                                                                        HOME Latest U.S. Census figures show that in 2003 the disparity ibetween the rich and poor, already at record levels grew, hurting both poor and middle class families. The national poverty rate rose 12.5%. Among all families with children under six, 4.6 million were consideered poor or 19.8%, nearly one in five families. Poor households headed by a single woman increased to 28%. Median household income went down last year to $43,318. In 1999 it was $44,022 [adjusted for inflation]. 45 million people lacked health insurance, an increase of nearly 2 million. At the same time costs for health care have gone up by about 50% since 2000. Please welcome Call to Renewal's bus to Pittsburgh and McKeesport on October 15th & 16th. The goal is to put poverty on the national agenda, urging candidates to address this issue. A prayer service and program with Rev. Jim Wallis will be held at East Liberty Presbyterian Church at 7 p.m. on the 15th.  A breakfast and rally will be held in McKeesport on the morning of the 16th.