For Immediate Release - September 13: Olivia Calderon, California Legislative Director at the New America Foundation, released the following statement in response to the U.S. Census numbers:

"The recently released census figures paint a sobering picture for vulnerable families.  With over 6 million Californians living below poverty, the census data makes clear that traditional strategies for helping people exit poverty aren't working. To achieve sustained financial stability, people need access to financial empowerment opportunities to help build and protect their personal assets. During these tough economic times, it is imperative that policymakers advance initiatives that help Californians -- at each stage in life -- enter the financial mainstream, gain access to affordable financial services, build savings and ultimately build assets and wealth."

Please contact Elizabeth Wu, California Media Relations Manager, at 510-295-9859 or wu@newamerica.net, for interviews.