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poverty line for public assistance programs, highlighting that the current measurement, established in the 1960s, is outdated and only accounts for basic food costs.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 notes 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 recognized 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that the current poverty threshold determines eligibility for public assistance, meaning those who fall short of the outdated limits are denied necessary support. 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," disincentivizing work for low-wage earners who risk losing assistance for marginal pay increases. By advocating for an increase in the federal poverty line, the resolution aims to ensure that more individuals and households can access essential social welfare programs, thereby addressing the growing disparity in economic support.