Posted on 09/11/2013 1:17:07 PM PDT by markomalley
Americans who live in households whose income is below the federal “poverty” level typically have cell phones (as well as landline phones), computers, televisions, video recorders, air conditioning, refrigerators, gas or electric stoves, and washers and dryers and microwaves, according to a newly released report from the Census Bureau.
In fact, 80.9 percent of households below the poverty level have cell phones, and a healthy majority—58.2 percent—have computers.
Fully 96.1 percent of American households in “poverty” have a television to watch, and 83.2 percent of them have a video-recording device in case they cannot get home in time to watch the football game or their favorite telephone show and they want to record it for watching later.
Refrigerators (97.8 percent), gas or electric stoves (96.6 percent) and microwaves (93.2 percent) are standard equipment in the homes of Americans in "poverty."
More than 83 percent have air-conditioning.
Interestingly, the appliances surveyed by the Census Bureau that households in poverty are least likely to own are dish washers (44.9 percent) and food freezers (26.2 percent).
However, most Americans in “poverty” do not need to go to a laundromat. According to the Census Bureau, 68.7 percent of households in poverty have a clothes washer and 65.3 percent have a clothes dryer.
The estimates on the percentage of households in poverty that have these appliances were derived by the Census Bureau from its Survey of Income and Program Participation. The latest report on this survey, released this month, published data collected in 2011.
Here are the percentages of households below the poverty level that the Census Bureau estimates had the following appliances:
Clothes washer: 68.7%
Clothes dryer: 65.3%
Dish washer: 44.9%
Refrigerator: 97.8%
Food freezer: 26.2%
Stove: 96.6%
Microwave: 93.2%
Air conditioner: 83.4%
Television: 96.1%
Video recorder/DVD: 83.2%
Computer: 58.2%
Telephone: 54.9%
Cell phone: 80.9%
theirs
Who is John Galt?
The single mother who works may make $5 over the allowed amount for any of these helps, and is already working as many hours as possible' the widow may draw $5 too much for any help or==if she gets food stamps it is $65 a month, compared to $600 for a welfare mother drawing for herself and 3 kids, plus she's getting WIC.
All these programs have grown so and overlap so much, the non workers are doing much better than the low level paid workers.
Very discouraging.
vaudine
Why haven’t you left for the good life back in her home country? I’m not trying to be snotty, but just curious. A lot of Americans are expatriating and you have the advantage of a native spouse. If the living is all around better, then it would seem to be the prudent thing to do.
I’d say A/C is an good indicator and then, narrowing the measure, central air. Those two, particularly central air are still luxury items for poor households.
This was true in the Depression. Much was made of Americans driving to the Poor House in their automobiles.
It’s still true.
Part of that is because of government programs that give you free cell phones and air conditioners under certain circumstances.
Some are because when you rent you generally get items like stove and refrigerator included with your apartment. Usually AC is included as well.
The rest is because you can buy these items used very cheaply.
People will give you tube TVs and VCRs.
You can pick up a microwave for under $10.
Computers are a little more costly but if you don't want the latest and greatest you can get them for around $100.00
People will give you their used washing machines and dryers to avoid paying the fee to have it hauled away.
They will also give other items such as furniture for the same reason.
The reasons you gave as to why “things” don’t work that way in the USA has to do with the quitters mentality which has allowed Obama to run all over the citizens...and brain wash the masses.
Sitting back and making excuses for a no can do existence is another reason I became an expat...
My new country embraces religion, outlaws abortion, supports individuals rights...values long one in my mother land.
Today here in my new adopted country we are celebrating independence day...and I m proud to participate. Viva Nicaragua!!!!
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