Michigan

"Instead of searching for a "silver bullet," we must work toward a common vision and priorities that center on data, not ideology. We need a targeted approach that builds on our public and private investments to alleviate the effects of poverty, support children and families in meaningful ways, and create a culture of learning."

"For the roughly 40 future social workers, the marches are a class lesson on how to fight for something they are passionate about: the poor. After a discussion on state cuts in assistance to the low-income population in Michigan, the UM-Flint social work class decided to do more than just talk about it. They decided to picket over it."

"Poverty rates increased for adults 55 to 64 but declined for those 65 and older, while low incomes were more prevalent in older age groups than younger ones. About one-third of workers 65 and older are in low-wage jobs - those that paid less than $10.20 per hour in 2007 or $11per hour in 2010."

"'America's Urban Crisis' represents a clear-eyed, historical look at the economic and social policies, supported by color-blind politics, that have gutted and segregated Detroit and other U.S. cities, relegating millions of their residents to generational poverty, failing schools and an insidious prison industry. "

"But Quisenberry said most of those poor-performing schools are in high-poverty areas, which tend to have lower-performing students, research shows. What's important, he said, is that research has shown that the longer students are in a charter school, 'the more successful they are.'"

"Rising poverty, coupled with the state's changing demographics, poses a daunting challenge for public policy and Michigan's future. Michigan's population is becoming more diverse, with whites expected to become the state's largest minority group in just over 30 years."