Paying for Being Poor
A new study by the Brookings Institution found that the urban poor pay hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars a year in extra costs for necessities, such as car insurance, home appliances, banking fees and other basics. (NYT link)A new study by the Brookings Institution found that the urban poor pay hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars a year in extra costs for necessities, such as car insurance, home appliances, banking fees and other basics. (NYT link)
AS CHAOS UNFOLDS, FIND SOLID GROUND…NYT: Study Documents ‘Ghetto Tax’ Being Paid by the Urban Poor By ERIK ECKHOLM
WASHINGTON, July 18 — Drivers from low-income neighborhoods of New York, Hartford and Baltimore, insuring identical cars and with the same driving records as those from middle-class neighborhoods, paid $400 more on average for a year’s insurance.
The poor are also the main customers for appliances and furniture at “rent to own” stores, where payments are stretched out at very high interest rates; in Wisconsin, a $200 television can end up costing $700. link
In this time of unprecedented challenges, independent journalism is more vital than ever. At Truthdig, we expose what power wants hidden and give you the clarity to make sense of it all.
Your donation helps ensure that truth telling continues.
Our priorities and judgment have become warped as we deify the rich and famous and neglect the meek. This is the trap of a capitalistic society.
In a tough year, our most popular opinion pieces provided analysis of the news and solutions for the problems we face.
Celebrating Mass with impoverished people in the splendor of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis denounces those who dismiss poverty as "not my business."
British charity Oxfam calls for a crackdown on tax havens after its report finds the world's wealthiest hiding $7.6 trillion from taxes.
The retail giant announced it is working to transfer 10,000 U.S. employees to nearby stores as its CEO says the closings are “necessary to keep the company strong.”
According to new data, nearly 50 million of America's 243 million adults are part of the world's poorest 10 percent.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.