The Annie E. Casey Foundation recently released a KIDS COUNT ® Data Snapshot, Measuring Access to Opportunity in the United States, which highlights a way to better measure poverty than the traditional Federal Poverty Measure.  The Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) takes into account more updated information about what it takes to meet basic family needs today compared to over 30 years ago when the original measure was developed.  More importantly, the SPM illustrates how important investments in children and families near or below the poverty level can make a big difference in providing stability for families and reducing some of the harmful effects of poverty.

The WCCF Press Release highlights why we believe using this type of measure is an important step forward in informing policy makers as they deal with critical decisions during this budget season and in the future.  Protestations from some to the contrary, there is strong evidence that many of the child and family oriented investments made by both states and the federal government do have a positive impact on the future of children.

by Jim Moeser