WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC), Chaired by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), today released a state-by-state report on the impact of the economic downturn on income and poverty.

“This report’s alarming statistics serve as a reminder that Congress needs to act to spur job creation and support programs that provide essential aid to families during these tough economic times,” said Senator Casey. “We cannot turn our backs on those who have suffered the most from the effects of the recession. With median income dropping in nearly every state, including a 3.5 percent drop in Pennsylvania between 2007 and 2010, we must ensure that while we work to reduce the deficit we don’t harm those who can’t afford to take another economic hit.”

 The report shows that while the recession hit Americans in all states, there are striking regional differences in the severity of the downturn.

 Highlights include:

• The drop in income exceeded 10.0 percent in 6 states (Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, and Nevada).
• Real median household income dropped in 43 states since 2007
• The increases in people in poverty were concentrated in the West (increase of 2.4 million), the South (increase of 3.3 million) and the Midwest (increase of 1.6 million).
• The percent of children living in poverty increased in 42 states and the District of Columbia, with 5 states and the District of Columbia reporting an increase of more than 5 percentage points.
• The number of people living below the poverty threshold rose in every state and the District of Columbia. The only exception was Montana, which had no change.

 Click here to see the JEC's full report.