Politics & Government

Study Finds Prince George's County Has Highest Suburban Poverty Rate

Prince George's County Council roundup.

Researchers from the Greater Washington Research at Brookings, a D.C.-based policy think tank, presented the Prince George’s County Council Tuesday with results of a regional study that showed more than 7 percent of Prince George’s County residents were living in poverty, the most of any Washington-area suburb.

 Elizabeth Kneebone, a researcher at the institute, which released the study of poverty based on 2009 statistics, said that a stronger labor market in the county is needed to help fight poverty.

 “Labor markets are regional,” she said.  “We need to think about this on the regional level.”

Find out what's happening in Laurelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 County Council member Andrea Harrison (D-Dist. 5) of Springdale said the county already knew most of the information shown during the presentation but stressed that there needs to be more done to equip non-profits in the county that provide social services.

 A coalition of representatives from social service agencies and area non-profits made that case at the meeting, stressing the need for greater funding to meet increased demands.

Find out what's happening in Laurelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 County Executive Makes Move To Extend Military Benefits

 In other business Tuesday, County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D) sought the  council’s approval on a resolution to extend military leave and health benefits for county employees ordered to active duty in the National Guard or Reserves.

 The resolution would require the council to amend the county’s official salary plan.


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