Over the last few days I have encountered many people talking about the same data but using very different language to do so. Some examples of what I have encountered include:
- 50% of Americans are now living in poverty
- The middle class is on its collective deathbed – people are now either wealthy or in poverty
- Half of the country receives food stamps or some other form of government assistance
While each of these statements is false, many who proudly make the claims do so loudly and with such conviction that few stop to check the facts. The AP news story, available here from the Washington Post, provides the latest data about lower income Americans.
- 49.1 million = poverty (defined as earning less than 100 percent of the poverty level)
- 97.1 million = low income (define as earning between 100 and 199 percent of the poverty level)
- 146.4 million Americans comprise the group of those who earn under 200 percent of the poverty level (48% of the population)
So What?
Just a few months ago, the number it was reported that 1 in 3 Americans were low income. The number assigned to this category climbed from 1 in 3 to 1 in 2 in a matter of weeks not because the American economy shifted dramatically, but because the formula used to compute the group was altered to consider “medical, commuting and other living costs as well as taxes.”
Just a few months ago, the number it was reported that 1 in 3 Americans were low income. The number assigned to this category climbed from 1 in 3 to 1 in 2 in a matter of weeks not because the American economy shifted dramatically, but because the formula used to compute the group was altered to consider “medical, commuting and other living costs as well as taxes.”
Many years ago, I worked for the state agency (TX) then known as the Department of Human Services. During my time there I knew the poverty guidelines well. I also learned that not everyone knows what FPIL stands for (Federal Poverty Income Level), most don’t update their FPIL charts annual, and many are unaware that such a standard even exists. The current year’s guidelines follow for household sizes from 1 to 8, and are divided into the respective categories discussed above (100% FPIL = limit for poverty / 200% = limit for low income).
|
# People in HH |
100% FPIL |
200% FPIL |
|
1 |
$10,890 |
$21,780 |
|
2 |
$14,710 |
$29,420 |
|
3 |
$18,530 |
$37,060 |
|
4 |
$22,350 |
$44,700 |
|
5 |
$26,170 |
$52,340 |
|
6 |
$29,990 |
$59,980 |
|
7 |
$33,810 |
$67,620 |
|
8 |
$37,630 |
$75,260 |
Questions for further reflection:
- How much do you really know about income levels? Current divisions? Trends over the last several decades?
- Based on what you know of the cost of living, what language do you find most appropriate for characterizing those just below 200% FPIL?
- How does your faith enter into your perception of each of the many income level categories and whether the current distribution (percentages of people within each) is a concern?