Advocacy for the Poor

The poverty measure employed by the federal government is over 40 years old, and most researchers argue that it doesn’t adequately explain poverty today. The old poverty line is based primarily on the amount of money a family spends on food, though food costs are a much smaller portion of today’s family budgets than they were in the past.

Advocates for low-income and poor families argue that a new poverty measure--one that takes into account today’s increasing childcare and healthcare costs—would give us a better picture of the true rate of poverty in America.

Both USA Today and NPR have recently reported on how poverty is defined in the US. USA Today focuses on how many more people would be considered poor under a new, modern definition of poverty promoted by the National Academy of Sciences. NPR examines the new measure New York City has devised to get a more accurate picture of poverty in its own neighborhoods.

The Consequences

Triangle Business Journal: North Carolina given 'D' grade for economy

The Triangle Business Journal reports on a study by the nonprofit organization, Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED). North Carolinians own few assets in comparison to other states’ residents and do not appear to be in a position to build more.

Taking Action

WXII12.com: Unemployment rates decrease in most NC counties

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Resources