Working families realistically understand there are no overnight solutions to the every day challenges that confront them. The simplest tasks seem insurmountable in a family that lives paycheck to paycheck.
In Maryland, in spite of its relative prosperity as the fourth largest and fastest growing economic center in the country, there are challenges met by many Marylanders every day. Parents in more than 100,000 Maryland families work jobs with wages so low they dip below the poverty wage of $8.61 per hour.
In 2001, a family earning an annual income of under $17,960 was considered to be "living in poverty." Between 2000 and 2002 approximately 400,000 Marylanders lived in families with income less than the poverty thresholds.
Maryland Public Television (MPT) will elevate this and other systemic, societal issues with the help of the Annie E. Casey Foundation through the Working Families Partnership (WFP) - a resurgence of a new and improved forum where families can readily learn more about issues facing low-income families.
WHAT IS WFP?
MPT, on behalf of the Working Families Partnership, continues to broadcast programs that examine real-life issues facing families across Maryland. On these MPT website pages, and through those broadcast programs, organizations and state agencies that directly respond to this calling throughout Maryland will be highlighted and will address these issues. And, in the spirit of community, MPT will convene these institutions, community leaders, volunteers and others to create a healthy network of service providers and services where Maryland families know they can turn.
Safe streets, decent jobs, good schools and fair opportunities are the bonds that span all household income levels -- throughout neighborhoods, beyond highways and across Maryland and the nation we all have dreams to live more contented, fulfilled lives. Join MPT as we hit the airwaves, Internet highway and local communities to bring those hard working families closer to happier, more productive lives.
