The Measuring American Poverty Act

The Measuring American Poverty (MAP) Act, co-sponsored by Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) and Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT), is based on recommendations made by the National Academy of Sciences in 1995, as well as subsequent research conducted in the following years. The MAP Act would create a Modern Poverty Measure reflecting the current costs of food, housing, clothing, shelter and utilities – plus an additional amount for personal expenses, such as non-work-related transportation, and household supplies. In determining a family’s available income, the Modern Poverty Measure would include income assistance, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, food stamps and housing subsidies.  It would then subtract taxes, work expenses (child care and transportation), and out-of-pocket medical expenses. Geographic cost-of-living differences would also be factored into the final calculation.

The Modern Poverty Measure is expected to more accurately reveal the extent of poverty in America. The new measure, however, will not affect eligibility guidelines for aid programs or the distribution of federal funds to state and local governments.  


To learn more about the MAP Act, view Spotlight’s exclusive interview with Rep. Jim McDermott below.


To check the status of the MAP Act in the House of Representatives click here and in the Senate click here.