There is probably a good reason the ‘poor’ earn only @ $9500. There is likely a limit on how much $ one can earn before losing the food/housing/hearing, etc benefits. Did Reuters quantify the average benefits and how that would translate to income before and after taxes?
Having done work in dozens of developing countries..I have learned that business in these banana republics is centered on who controls the economy.
So it tends to be centered on the capital and the corrupt politicians who inhabit it. As Govt gains more and more power..business’s follow the money and establish where it is handed out. It is truly bad news for the Republic.
So the call has become..not go West young man, but go East to DC if you want money and opportunity.