Child Poverty Rampant in Broome County

Broome County is staring at an alarming amount of childhood poverty.

The second of three pubic hearings on the issue was held by New York State Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo at Binghamton City Hall.

Representatives of local schools, non profits and members of the community described their work dealing with the problem.

The United States Census reported that in 2013, 47 % of children in the City of Binghamton were living in poverty.  Lupardo says by comparison, statewide, 22% of children live in poverty.

Johnson City School Superintendent, Mary Kay Frys says she knows there are teachers in the district who keep food in their classrooms and 67% of students in the district receive free or reduced-price meals at school.

Speakers called for a review of public assistance programs and funding for schools.

The United Way of Broome County has received $100,000 in state aid for an anti-poverty initiative.