WASHINGTON–New data published today from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that 18 percent of American children—13.3 million—lived below the poverty line in 2016, a slight decrease from 19.7 percent in the previous year.

The data underscores the destructive effects of poverty on American children, who experience poverty at a disproportionately higher rate than any other group. Kids make up 23 percent of the U.S. population, but account for nearly 33 percent of the population living in poverty. And poverty rates remain higher for minorities – 30.8 percent of African American children and 26.6 percent of Hispanic kids are living in poverty compared to the 18 percent national average.

Yet, child poverty would be even higher without effective anti-poverty programs.  The Census Bureau reports the child poverty rate would be nearly 20 percent higher without programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit.

The U.S. Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG)—a broad-based coalition of child-focused organizations dedicated to setting the goal of cutting the U.S. child poverty rate in half within a decade—submitted a letter to Congress today urging lawmakers to commit to reducing child poverty through significant investments in effective anti-poverty programs.

CPAG members that signed the letter include: First Focus Campaign for Children, Alliance for Strong Families and Communities, Child Welfare League of America, InclusionUS Associates, National Association for the Education of Young Children, National Prevention Science Coalition to Improve Lives, Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, Save the Children Action Network, Share our Strength, and UnidosUS (formerly NCLR).

Cara Baldari, Senior Director of Family Economics at First Focus, said:

“We need Congress to prioritize child poverty reduction. Studies show that poverty negatively affects children for the rest of their lives, even those who experience it for only a short time.

We know that kids in poor families are four times more likely to be in fair or poor health, nine times more likely to suffer from food insecurity, and twice as likely to repeat a grade and drop out of high school. And the economic costs to the country are huge — poverty is estimated to cost the U.S. $672 billion a year.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Congress should commit to cutting child poverty in half within a decade so all kids–who are ultimately tomorrow’s leaders–have a chance at a brighter future.”

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The U.S. Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG USA) is a broad-based coalition of non-profit, child-focused organizations and individuals dedicated to cutting the child poverty rate in half within 10 years. For more information, follow CPAG on Twitter @CPAG_USA or visit www.childpovertyusa.org.