There was also no statistically significant change between the poverty rate for 1998-99 and for the period ten years earlier, before Oregon's most recent recession. In 1988-89, before the onset of the recession in the early 1990s, Oregon's poverty was 10.8 percent. Poverty rates in the 1990s remained relatively constant, with slight but insignificant fluctuations through the decade. Household income was slightly higher than the previous two-year average, but the difference was not significant. Leachman also noted that Oregon must take steps to reduce the poverty rate.
Poverty has severe and expensive social costs.
The poverty figures today cover a period of tremendous economic prosperity in Oregon when Oregon had the highest minimum wage in the nation. Minimum wage increases and tight labor markets have improved wages for even the lowest-paid workers in the last few years. These continuing high rates of poverty demonstrate the ongoing need for a strong safety net. While the increased minimum wage is crucial to Oregon's anti-poverty strategy, it isn't enough. Oregon must do more in terms of economic development and public policies that allow this booming economy to reach everyone.