The resolution urges the federal government to raise the federal poverty line for public assistance programs, highlighting that the current measurement, established in the 1960s, is outdated and only accounts for basic food costs. It fails to consider the significant increases in living expenses such as housing, transportation, child care, and health care over the past sixty years. As a result, while approximately 53 million households struggle to afford basic necessities, only 37.9 million are officially recognized as living in poverty, limiting access to essential public assistance programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Program.

The resolution points out that the existing poverty threshold creates barriers for many individuals and families who, despite being unable to meet their basic needs, do not qualify for assistance due to the outdated criteria. The COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation have exacerbated the financial challenges faced by low-income Americans, while recent minimum wage increases have led to a "benefits cliff," where low-wage earners lose access to crucial support in exchange for minimal pay increases. By advocating for an adjustment to the federal poverty line, the resolution aims to ensure that more individuals and households can access the necessary public assistance programs to improve their living conditions.