A Chart of the War on Poverty

Via Dayton Daily News:

What is somewhat amazing is that the percentage didn't go higher after 2010.  That has to be mostly attributable to the counter-cyclical nature of the safety net programs, along with the increased spending in the stimulus.  It is notable that the introduction of the Great Society programs, along with booming economies can be credited with lowering the poverty rate, but recessions spike it back up every time it gets down to 11 or 12%.