Numbers released yesterday by the U.S. Census Bureau show poverty is on the rise in Arkansas. The 2011 American Community Survey numbers show that total poverty has increased to just under 20 percent, that’s up from 15.4 percent in 2001 and 17.9 percent in 2007. The state’s child poverty rate stands at 27.7 percent, over a two point increase from 2007 results. The numbers also show that Arkansans are feeling the effects of the recession. Median household income fell to $38,758, down from $41,849 in 2007.

But the news wasn’t all bad. According to the survey results, the percent of young adults (19 to 25) with private health insurance coverage has increased from 3-5.5 percent. Exact numbers were not released, but we do know Arkansas falls within that range. The statistics suggest that after years of folks going without health insurance coverage, that trend may be reversing itself thanks to health care reform and Medicaid. The health care law allows young people to remain on their parents’ insurance plan until they turn 26.

The data show the importance of continuing to implement health care reform, including extending Medicaid services to those who now qualify under that law (which Arkansas and other states have the option of doing). Our state’s Medicaid program, and especially ARKids First, has been successful in making Arkansans healthy so they can be productive members of our communities and drive local economies.

The rising poverty numbers may be discouraging, but there are things Arkansas has done, and can still do, to reverse the trend. We need to invest in our people. Folks are struggling to get by and now is the time to step up our efforts to help, not make drastic cuts to services people depend on. Spending cuts are not the answer. When the government cuts spending, it means fewer private sector jobs and that takes money out of our economy.

We know that when our children are healthy and well-educated the cycle of poverty is easier to break. That’s why it’s so important that Arkansas continue to invest in pre-natal care for expectant mothers, preschool opportunities for our kids, and afterschool activities to keep kids engaged in learning.

What can you do? For starters, try to get involved in your local communities and advocacy organizations – like us! Take a look at our Advocates Guide to the 2012 Elections to find out the questions to ask about the issues that matter. The November elections will be some of the most important we’ve seen. Make sure your voice is heard.

On a related note, KUAF has been doing a series of reports on poverty in Arkansas. You can listen to them here. AACF Executive Director Rich Huddleston and Outreach Coordinator Susana O’Daniel are featured.