TRENTON — Nearly two million New Jerseyans are living in or on the brink of poverty, a report issued today found.

The report, issued by the Legal Services of New Jersey's Poverty Research Institute, finds that the Great Recession wreaked havoc on New Jersey families in 2009. The poverty rate increased in the state to 9.4 percent, up from 8.7 percent in 2008.

In order to be living above the poverty level, a family of three with two children would need an annual income of at least $17,285.

Children especially suffered, with the child poverty rate rising to 13.5 percent, from 12.5 percent in 2008. More than 19,000 fell into poverty in 2009.

Hispanic and Latino residents also saw a sharp spike in the poverty rate, 18.3 percent compared to 16.5 percent in 2008.

A panel discussion this morning, held after the findings of the report were presented, focused on ways to combat the growing need, and called on the state to boost resources.

"There really should be a much greater sense of urgency in this state," said Raymond Castro, an analyst for New Jersey Policy Perspective.

Authors of the report recommended creating a single state agency to coordinate a comprehensive effort to combat poverty. Anti-poverty leaders also emphasized that more state resources are needed.

"Poverty is increasing in New Jersey," said Joshua Spielberg, a specialist on healthcare for Legal Services of New Jersey. "Given that, it does not make sense for us to decrease the resources we have to fight poverty."

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