[zoren]

As to the first claim. It seems Mississippi has the highest poverty rate at 21.9%. California is at 16.4%.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_by_poverty...

[idlewords]

This is by an antiquated measure. The accepted rate now is 20.6%, first in the nation. Discussion here:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckdevore/2016/09/28/why-does-...

[dragonwriter]

The SPM is not, by any means, the "accepted rate". Whether it's a more appropriate measure for any particular purpose is a legitimate discussion to have.

[mmanfrin]

"Thank God for Mississippi"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thank_God_for_Mississippi