CA AJR22

Urges the federal government to reform the Official Poverty Measure, which has remained largely unchanged since 1964 despite significant economic and social changes.

States the Official Poverty Measure fails to account for noncash benefits (SNAP, Medicaid), regional cost-of-living variations, childcare expenses, and medical costs, resulting in inaccurate poverty assessments.

Identifies California low-income families as especially disadvantaged because the federal poverty line does not reflect the state's high cost of living, causing denial of federal assistance to families unable to meet basic needs.

Recommends the federal government use the Supplemental Poverty Measure, developed in 2010, as a guide for reform because it accounts for changing economy conditions, geographic differences, noncash benefits, and work-related expenses.

Directs the California Legislature to transmit this resolution to the President, Congress, and California's federal representatives urging adoption of an updated poverty measurement methodology.