RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A new report shows more and more of Virginia's children are living in poverty. Advocates say government programs are the reason the rate isn’t even higher.

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s latest analysis of the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM), Virginia’s child poverty rate has risen from 9% to 12% over the past three years. This means roughly 230,000 children across the Commonwealth are currently living in poverty.

The SPM accounts for essential expenses such as housing, medical and childcare. It also measures the effectiveness of resources like tax credits, food assistance and housing subsidies.

While Virginia’s child poverty rate remains below the national average of 13%, researchers say it’s a sign that families are struggling to keep up with th

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