[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 39 (Monday, September 28, 1998)]
[Page 1877]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Census Bureau Report on Income and Poverty

September 24, 1998

    This morning, the Census Bureau released its annual report on income 
and poverty. The report shows that our growing economy continues to 
raise incomes, lift millions out of poverty, and extend opportunity. It 
represents further evidence that we must maintain fiscal responsibility, 
investments in our people, and our global leadership on matters of 
finance and trade.
    Last year the income of the typical American household grew by 
nearly twice the rate of inflation. Since we launched our economic plan 
in 1993, the typical family's income has risen by more than $3,500. The 
overall poverty rate fell to 13.3 percent. And while there is clearly 
more to be done, the African-American poverty rate fell to another 
record low; Hispanic poverty saw the largest one-year drop in two 
decades. Child poverty has dropped more in the past 4 years than any 4-
year period in nearly 30 years; and the earned-income tax credit, which 
we have dramatically expanded and fought hard to preserve, raised more 
than 4 million people out of poverty last year.
    All Americans have a right to be proud of these gains. But we can't 
let these good times lull us into complacency. We must work even harder 
to make sure that as our Nation races forward, we give everyone a chance 
to come along.