The Quirky Origin of the Federal Poverty Line
Seattle News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · The Daily News Now!
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Show Notes
The federal poverty line, a seemingly precise measure, has a surprisingly simple and quirky origin. Created in the 1960s by statistician Mollie Orshansky, its based on a family spending one-third of its income on food, using the USDAs thrifty food plan from the 1950s. However, critics argue it doesnt account for regional differences, healthcare, and rent. Despite concerns, the line remains influential, shaping billions in aid for millions of Americans. Recent reviews call for better updates, but reforms are slow. As costs rise, the need for a more modern measure becomes increasingly apparent.
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