Poor, near poor, and new poor numbers rising.

• Position: YOU LIFE

A large and growing number of Americans are poor, or at risk of becoming poor, as a result of the Great Recession, and many will continue to struggle during the lagging recovery, according to a white paper released by broadcaster Tavis Smiley and Indiana University, Bloomington.

The paper indicates that the number of Americans living in poverty has increased sharply during the economic downturn. The Great Recession not only has produced high unemployment rates, but record levels of longterm unemployment, making it likely that these ranks of the "new poor" and "near poor" will continue to grow.

"Many of the 'new poor' are actually the former middle classy," notes Smiley, whose self-titled talk show airs weekday nights on PBS. "Poor people are not moochers and welfare queens, as some would like you to believe. Our neighbors, colleagues, and families are all struggling."

"Promoting sustained economic growth while at the same time protecting the well-being of the poor, the near poor, and the new poor is the central...