Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne responded to the release of this year's Census Report on Income, Poverty and Health Insurance.  The report shows the number of Americans without health insurance increased to 46.3 million in 2008, and has climbed by 7.9 million during the eight years of the Bush Administration. It also shows that real median household income dropped nearly 4 percent last year to $50,303, with a drop of $2,197 over the last eight years.  The number of Americans in poverty grew to 39.8 million – and 8.2 million more Americans falling into poverty during the Bush years.

"Forty-six million Americans and 1,274,000 New Jerseyians without health care insurance is a tragedy—and as President Obama reminds us, is not within the 'character of our country,' Payne stated.  "In economic terms, the uninsured cost us all:  $1,100 extra for the average American family, higher costs for our businesses, and huge pressure on state and federal budgets.  Beyond the human suffering, it's simply unsustainable.  Health insurance reform is needed to lower costs, ensure that there are affordable options for all Americans and increase choice and competition in the health insurance market. Only by acting now on health reform can we bring stability and security to Americans who have insurance today and affordable coverage to the growing number of American families who don't."

Payne also said, "Today, the 2008 Census report also writes the final devastating chapter of the Bush Legacy for most American families and the American economy.  After eight years of one of the worst economic records in history, the number of New Jerseyians in poverty increased by 136,000.  From the Recovery Act to historic reforms in health insurance, clean energy, and education, we are now working tirelessly to reverse course and build a new foundation for lasting and more broadly shared prosperity for American families and businesses."

Experts agree that the Bush Administration has one of the worst economic records in history:

• Worst private sector jobs record of any Administration in 75 years, with job losses exceeding 700,000 in January 2009 alone;
• Worst record for economic performance since President Harry Truman, when quarterly GDP data was first released; also leaving office in January 2009 with an economic growth rate of -6.4 percent, the worst decline in a single quarter in nearly 30 years; and
• National debt nearly doubling from $5.7 trillion to $10.6 trillion