The resolution urges the President and Congress to enact the Poverty Line Act of 2023, which aims to reform the federal poverty guidelines used to determine eligibility for various state and federal assistance programs. Currently, these guidelines are based on outdated calculations from the 1960s that do not accurately reflect the modern costs of living, such as housing, utilities, and healthcare. As a result, many families struggle to meet their basic needs but do not qualify for safety net benefits due to the low federal poverty line. The resolution highlights that millions of families are financially distressed, with a significant number in New Jersey living above the federal poverty level yet unable to afford essential necessities.

The proposed Poverty Line Act of 2023 seeks to update the calculation of the federal poverty line by incorporating real costs and regional differences, thereby increasing access to critical support programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for a review of the new methodology every four years to ensure it remains relevant to current household needs. The resolution emphasizes that enacting this act would better reflect the financial challenges faced by American families and enhance their access to vital government benefits, ultimately promoting economic mobility and stability.