State of Working Colorado: Twice the Federal Poverty Level – A better count

Many experts maintain the Federal Poverty Level can be improved simply by changing the definition of "poverty" to a multiple of the FPL. A common approach is 200 percent of FPL, which represents more realistic poverty cutoff. That compromise allows the most current poverty statistics (based on FPL) to be used, while adjusting for some shortcomings of the federal measure.



Twice the Federal Poverty Level shows a bleaker picture of recession and poverty in Colorado. While more than one in 10 Coloradans live with incomes of less than the Federal Poverty Level, more than one in four are poor under the adjusted standard.

 

 

For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.