Monday, December 31, 2007

Bloomberg Steps Up For The Poor

There is a lot I disagree on with our Mayor, but he isn't all bad. His green initiatives have merit and now a new look at how the poverty line is drawn could have a major impact on the city and possibly the country. The current system developed decades ago does not take into effect things like housing, medical and child care. These are things that greatly impact a family's budget and needs to be figured into the calculation.

From The NY Times:

The 42-year-old federal poverty standard, which is pegged to the annual cost of buying basic groceries, is widely viewed as outdated and off-target. The city’s formula would take into account the money families must spend annually on necessities including rent, utilities and child care. But it would also factor in the value of financial assistance received, like housing vouchers or food stamps.

The city’s efforts are already attracting attention. “There is widespread dissatisfaction with the current standard,” said Jack Tweedie, the director of the children and families program at the National Conference of State Legislators, which provides research to state legislators and policy makers.

“Because it is New York City adopting it, it could be a big step forward,” he said. “As it starts generating reports and data, others will be interested and you will get more momentum.”


Poverty is a huge problem that affects our country and one that isn't talked about much these days. Definitely not by the current Administration and even most Presidential candidates refrain from talking about those with the least amongst us.

It is often said that our city is the true capital of the country (and historically was for a few years), so why not lead by example here so others join in to at least begin to look at the problem with clear eyes?