Poverty Grows in New Jersey

New U.S. Census numbers came out Thursday and while most states saw little change in poverty rates, there were exceptions. New Jersey was one of them.

Three states saw an increase in both the number and percentage of people living in poverty last year: New Jersey. New Mexico and Washington.

"I'm not surprised, I'm disappointed," said Cecilia Zalkind, executive director of the Advocates for Children of New Jersey. "I hope that this provides the incentive to take a more comprehensive look as to what we can do as a state."

Zalkind blamed persistent unemployment and explained that even in industries where new jobs had been created, the work is temporary and unstable. Families in her state continue to struggle years after the recession.

In New York, poverty rates held steady from 2012 to 2013.