The figures show Michigan's median household income fell more than any other state's during the last six years. It was $46,039 in 2005 -- 12% less than what it was in 1999 when adjusted for inflation. None of the 28 counties and 21 municipalities for which data were reported showed a rise in median household income between 1999 and 2005, the estimates show.
The news was grim in other areas, too. In 2005:
* 19% of children in Michigan lived in poverty, up from six years ago.
* Almost a third of the state's African Americans lived below the poverty level.
* Detroit remained one of the poorest big cities in the country with almost a third of its residents living below the poverty line.
* Cities and townships posted drops in median household incomes ranging from 24% to 6% and poverty rates increased in all but three cities.
There's even more highly depressing information at the DFP article.
What to make of all this information?
1. It's understandable why Jennifer Granholm is struggling for re-election this year. These numbers are horrible. However...
2. While Michigan is probably suffering the most of any state in the union, only four states and the District of Columbia have shown any increase in median incomes. Every other state - 46 in total - have shown drops! This is a national trend where corporations are doing well but workers are getting fucked. For those who never saw this graphic from bonddad's excellent - as always - diary concerning the shift of national profits to corporations and away from the average worker, I reprint it here:
3. When you hear Publicans and the MSM refer to the supposed strong economy, know it's bullshit and when possible, inform such messengers of deceit that these figures tell a different story of the other America of the Two Americas they don't see.
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