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United Way Of Wisconsin Study Shows High Number Of Workers Close To The Edge

United Way of Wisconsin

United Way of Wisconsin published a report this week detailing how many Wisconsinites are having a tough time making ends meet.

The survey used the term ALICE, an acronym which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, discussing people who work hard, earn above the federal poverty level, but not enough to afford a basic household budget.

Executive Director Charlene Mouille outlines the report...

"....it represents households above the federal poverty level, but below a basic cost of living as outlined in the report. The report takes a look at that living county by county...."

Mouille says the study finds a surprising number of people with lower incomes...

"....the study suggests that that threshold could be a tipping point to being just one emergency away from slipping into further financial distress...."

Among the findings: 42 percent of Wisconsin households can’t afford the basics of housing, food, health care, child care, and transportation, despite working. More than two-thirds of Wisconsin's municipalities have more than 30 percent of households unable to afford life’s basic necessities. 65 percent of all jobs in Wisconsin pay less than $20 an hour and most pay less than $15 an hour. Despite working and receiving financial supports, ALICE households still face a 21 percent gap in the income needed to afford the basics .

A link to the report ishere.

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