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poverty line for public assistance programs, highlighting that the current measurement, established in the 1960s, is outdated and only accounts for basic food costs.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 points out that essential living expenses such as housing, transportation, child care, and health care have significantly increased over the past sixty years, yet the poverty line has not been adjusted accordingly, aside from inflation. As a result, while approximately 53 million households struggle to afford basic necessities, only 37.9 million are officially classified as living in poverty, leaving many without access to vital public assistance programs.

The resolution emphasizes that the current poverty threshold determines eligibility for public assistance, which excludes many individuals and households who are financially struggling but do not meet the existing criteria. The COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation have exacerbated the financial challenges faced by low-income Americans, while recent minimum wage increases have inadvertently led to a "benefits cliff," where low-wage earners lose access to essential support in exchange for minimal pay increases. By advocating for an increase in the federal poverty line, the resolution aims to ensure that more individuals and families can access the necessary social welfare programs to meet their basic needs.