Sage's latest issue brief reveals that annual earnings for Puget Sound workers fell by 2% last year, only the first of bad economic news for working families. New Census data also show that vulnerable groups, including single-mother families and African-Americans will likely be the hardest hit as the recession takes its toll.

Despite the fact that 2007 appeared to be a strong year for the Puget Sound region's economy, Puget Sound Sage's brief illustrates that low-wage workers are struggling more than ever.