Here is a link to a great article in the NYT describing the link between growing up poor and neurological development. It also highlights government changes in response to poverty.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/18/opinion/18krugman.html?em&ex=1203483600&en=d653cba52cd2e4d2&ei=5087%0A

If anyone can find the link to the AAAS article mentioned, please post it.

Omai