More than 13 percent of Pennsylvanians have incomes below the poverty line, according to the Census Bureau. The problem is even worse in cities like Reading, Chester, and Coatesville, where more than 30 percent of residents live in poverty.
Governor-elect Tom Wolf, who takes office January 20, will work to address poverty across the state, his team said. "One way to de-concentrate poverty, Governor-elect Wolf believes, is to focus on existing development resources, putting money into education and also expanding health care," said press secretary Jeff Sheridan. In particular, Sheridan says Wolf plans to expand Medicaid to more Pennsylvanians.
Poverty isn't the only problem facing Pennsylvania's cities. Nearly half the Commonwealth's cities and towns that offer pension plans are classified as "distressed," meaning they face at least a 10 percent shortfall. The Governor-elect will also make pensions a priority, Sheridan said.
Read a full version of this reportat the website of Keystone Crossroads, a new statewide public media initiative reporting on the challenges facing Pennsylvania's cities.
