Analysts Say Poverty Spreading At Record Levels - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

Analysts Say Poverty Spreading At Record Levels

The number of Americans living in poverty is nearing its highest point in nearly a half-century.

A survey conducted by the Associated Press found poverty is spreading at record levels.

The official poverty level is expected to go from 15.1 percent in 2010 to 15.7 percent this year, meaning almost one out of every six Americans lives in poverty.

But there may soon be tougher rules regarding their EBT cards.

The Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, which are like ATM cards, are supposed to be used only on essentials not covered by food stamps.

But some legislators say the cards are being outrageously abused.

"They buy beer with it, they buy lottery tickets with it, um they've been used in ATMs in casinos, they've been used in liquor stores and certainly um we also have evidence that they've been used in various strip clubs."

More than 10 states have already passed legislation restricting the use of the cards.

Those opposed to the stricter rules say this just plays into negative stereotypes of the poor.