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To the editor: Mark Z. Barabak debunks the myth about Californians rushing to exit our state. He lauds our social safety net, our culture and our politics as being a forerunner to other states. To his credit, he also notes the state’s serious problems.
Still, I pause to consider data from the Public Policy Institute of California showing that one-third of Californians live in or near poverty; in Los Angeles County, the poverty rate is about 22%. And, more than three-quarters of those in poverty live with someone who is employed.
Many rush to embrace “growth” and express contentment with our “Golden State,” but we face a stark imperative to reduce inequality and poverty. We can begin by saving the youngest from plunging into poverty by greatly increasing support for primary and secondary education, especially for schools with fewer resources.