Published: September 1, 2008

The latest U.S. census data describes the best of times and the worst of times for Maryland ("Md. still richest state in the nation," Aug. 27).

On the one hand, Marylanders (mostly those in the suburbs) boast some of the highest median incomes in the country. At the same time, city residents are facing one of the highest poverty rates in the country, and those in the middle - geographically and economically - are losing ground.

What's particularly troubling is that despite some small overall income growth, this year's statistics show higher numbers of Americans living in poverty and without health insurance than during the 2001 economic slump.

When the numbers come in for 2008, a year in which the economy has been hurting, people will see the urgent need for economic relief.

But Maryland's working families can't afford to wait another year for the experts to compile their reports and decide to act.

They need more immediate action, and that's why it's vital to elect leaders who will advocate for working families this November.

Valarie Long, Washington DC
The writer is vice president of Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ