Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Poverty and Income

State-Level Data Show Recovery Act Protecting Millions from Poverty

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is keeping large numbers of Americans out of poverty in states across the country, according to new data covering 36 states and the District of Columbia.

In addition to boosting economic activity and preserving or creating jobs, the recovery act is softening the recession’s impact on poverty by directly lifting family incomes. Read more

Related:

Recovery Act Keeping 6 Million Americans Out of Poverty

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Basics

The poverty line, the federal government’s estimate of the minimum income needed to achieve an adequate standard of living, is $21,200 for a family of four in 2008. The federal minimum wage is currently $6.55 per hour, though many states (and some municipalities) have set their own minimum wages at a higher level.

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The Center analyzes major economic developments affecting low- and moderate-income Americans, including trends in poverty, income inequality, and the working poor. In addition, we analyze the asset rules in various public benefit programs that can discourage low-income people from building modest savings and highlight potential reforms.