Child Poverty in the U.S. Doubles After Pandemic Aid Ends

The expiration of U.S. pandemic-era programs in 2021 resulted in a sharp increase in poverty in 2022, with inflation exacerbating the situation. The child poverty rate doubled to 12.4%, and the overall rate rose to 12.4% from the previous year. This uptick was largely due to the cessation of stimulus payments and enhanced child tax credits. Experts highlight the need for political action to address escalating inequality.