[bruinbirdman]

The chart clearly shows the poverty rate over 40 million from 1970 until 1995. Repubs took the House in the 1994 elections and have been a factor since January, 1995.

[farmfriend]

I'm not disputing that Republican policies have reduced black poverty. I would have expected them to. I will continue to push for them on the grounds that all are better off. I believe in welfare reform as well. However, I disagree with this articles conclusions that welfare reform was responsible for the drop in poverty since levels were obviously on the decline for several years prior to it's enactment.