Human: I've heard that the number of people living in poverty in the United States has increased in recent years. What's causing this? Assistant: 
The main cause of the increase in poverty is the decrease in wages and employment opportunities for low-income workers. This is due to the decline in manufacturing jobs, which have been replaced by lower-paying service sector jobs. Additionally, cuts in social welfare programs like food stamps and housing subsidies have made it harder for low-income families to make ends meet.