Millionaires and Poverty

15% of Americans live in poverty. That's 33 million people, a number that increased by 50% between 1985 and 2000.

Less than one half of 1% of US citizens are millionaires.

26% of US Senators are millionaires.

11% of US Senators have a net worth of over $10 million.

16% of US Representatives are millionaires.

Per capita income in America is $24,750. Members of Congress are paid $133,000 a year; about five times as much as the average US citizen.

About a third of adult Americans who request emergency food aid are employed but do not earn enough to buy sufficient food.

(2002 figures)