There's good news as 2016 winds down. Economic confidence in America is up. The Dow Jones industrial average is reaching new heights. The U.S. dollar continues to strengthen and the nation's unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest level since 2007. Hopefully, this positive trend will continue because it's not the complete story.
The need in this state and region is still great! According to this year's Kids Count Report, nearly 1 in every 4 children in Michigan live in poverty, 22.6%. Since 2006, child poverty increased in 80 of our 83 counties. And median income in most Michigan cities and villages has been declining over the last few years.
As a great state, even in the richest nation in the world, there are still many challenges to overcome. Too many are just trying to keep their heads above water. They are the homeless, the working poor, seniors, moms, children and college students. A lot of our local agencies and non-profits are having tremendous difficulty keeping up with the growing demand.
Working together, as one diverse community, we can make a tremendous impact on the lives of many individuals. We urge you to take the time to make a donation - big or small - to your favorite charity.
Tis the season to give! We wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah.
I'm Mike Murri, Vice President & General Manager
Broadcast: December 15 - 18, 2016
