The Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition has issued its annual State of the Child in Bridgeport report. “Year after year, much of the data reveals how too many Bridgeport children endure poverty and its many related struggles. Yet, within Bridgeport, progress is being made. Each day, in a thousand little ways, people are taking steps to ensure that all Bridgeport children receive the nurturing and supports they need.” According to the report, the latest survey shows that Fairfield County has the second largest gap in the country between rich and poor.
Life is challenging for children living in poverty. These children face an increased risk of poor health and nutrition, low academic achievement, exposure to violence, abuse, and homelessness. Despite the United States’ position in the top tier of world economies, one out of every five American children lives in poverty. In Connecticut, one out of every seven children lives in poverty. But here in Fairfield County, the income gap between rich and poor is simply staggering–the second most unequal region in the nation.
In 2012, 37.6% of Bridgeport children (more than 13,500) lived under the federal poverty level, compared to 39.9% in 2011.
The average rate of child poverty in 2010-12 in Bridgeport was 40.7% of African American children, 38.6% of Latino children, and 13.6% of white children.
See the full report here.
There is one fact the govt cannot change, and that is children living in one-parent households. Unless and until this is changed all the other data will remain unchanged or worsen.
The disparity between lower Fairfield and Bridgeport is not a fluke. Anytime Bridgeport tried to pull itself up by its own bootstraps, politicians like Blumenthal, Himes and the rest of the politicians from this state did everything they could to sabotage the effort. When the Paugussetts tried for recognition, Blumenthal and Shays threatened federal employees with termination if they got their recognition. The Schaghticokes got preliminary recognition and Rep. Johnson and all the CT delegation forced that decision to be reversed. If either or both had received recognition there would have been between 8000 to 12,000 entry-level jobs created.
So why did the politicians move Heaven and earth to stop it? The rich in Greenwich, where Blumenthal and Himes come from, would lose their cheap labor supply.
The elected politicians from Bridgeport keep going along like everything is wonderful. They will NOT fight for Bridgeport and its people. They will not tell the Federal Politicians to F Off when they show up for Bridgeport support. The same goes for the idiots we send to Hartford (except Grogins).
These politicians do not want to offend their multimillion dollar friends so what do the do? They offer lip service and do nothing.
I have one question for all: Why is our Economic Development Director still on the job? He was recently elected to public office in Stamford. What has he brought into Bridgeport? What new businesses have located in Stamford?
I agree with you and what indignation you have for politicians. Until people stop re-electing incumbents by voting for the party like obedient dogs, they will continue to receive bones.
ACF knows the score and plays to win.
Bridgeport needs an Economic Director whose heart in in Bridgeport, not Stamford. Bloggers think the Park City is just a convenience en route to his teaching duties at Yale.
Maybe the best way to outperform David is to persuade Goliath of Bridgeport’s upside.
I would add Jack Hennessy to the exception list, his writing and putting 5724 onto the floor and getting statewide support shows me he is serious about cleaning Bridgeport’s political house. I have worked with both Jack and Auden at the capital on different issues–both these reps have the respect and positive notice of other reps and senators.
Jennifer, I will add his name along with Grogins when that law passes. Audin has produced, now it’s Hennessy’s turn. The rest of our delegation is too DUMB to get anything passed that is meaningful for Bridgeport. Please don’t tell me about the ferry to Pleasure Beach.
Funny thing about economic development directors is our former Economic Development Director (Mike Freimuth) was the catalyst for all the development in Stamford. He did an awesome job while here and nothing I mean nothing has worked since. Somebody deserves a boot in the a$$ for letting him go. Look at what he’s been able to accomplish in Stamford. It’s a damn shame.
What are these kids complaining about anyway? Didn’t we just give them a $500,000 Gateway Project for Black Rock and PT?
And how about $2.5 million for Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo to build a new Andean bears exhibit?
What do they think, money grows on trees and our State Reps can’t feel their pain?
You bet they can’t! On March 4th vote line C. It’s time for a change!
The people in government don’t care about the poor or the kids who live in squalor, they care about image. To the state and dumb ass Malloy, get off your ass and raise the amount we get from PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) so we can take care of our poor and hungry. The state dumps these hospitals, halfway houses, rehabs, clinics and such in our city while the ‘burbs do not have to deal with this stuff. The problem is when a raise in the PILOT payment come up for a vote it is always knocked down by the suburban legislators because they will not receive any money. The bastards don’t have to deal with what we have to deal with and support with our taxes. The suburban lawmakers send us their drunks, their addicted kids, their elderly and any other misfit who may be in their town and they pay NOTHING.
For the past 14 days, I’ve starred straight in the eyes of this problem. Be Roach-free, VOTE LINE C.
BCAC has been a source of well-researched info regarding Bridgeport youth and how they compare to other youth beyond the City for nearly 40 years. It has also been a strong advocate for actions to deal with those problems that retard the opportunities for youth: who are born to or raised in one-parent families, who are members of families with unemployed or underemployed adults, who enter the school system with little or no pre-school participation, with nutrition and healthcare challenges and who witness or are subjected to community/family violence and or substance/power abuse. Formidable challenges to grow into “Fairfield County’s next generation of ready workers and inspired leaders” it seems to me.
I would like to see a clearer connection between what the City does by way of priority mission (including programs and spending annually across multiple years) and the results posted in the BCAC report. Perhaps some research on Finch administration Annual State of City comments relative to the actual money and action put into his priorities would be useful as an update to citizens. And finally perhaps BCAC can embody more alternative ideas and resources in such a way more people in the community act on them as participating citizens rather than as occasionally served consumers who see no opportunity to be heard, to know their voice is important, and organizing, becoming informed and voting are activities that count in creating community well-being. Time will tell.
*** For a State and City that is one of the highest in taxes in the nation, our high percentage of poverty in general is alarming. And it’s not changing any time soon! ***