H.R.1428 - Poverty Line Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1428, the Poverty Line Act of 2025, aims to amend the Community Services Block Grant Act to update the federal poverty line calculation. The bill seeks to incorporate more accurate costs of basic needs, adapt to changing household spending, account for regional cost variations, and reflect minimum expenditures for social and economic mobility. It mandates revisions and publications of the poverty line at least annually, considering factors like household expenditures, housing costs, childcare, and healthcare.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 1428 would likely expand eligibility for federal assistance programs by updating the poverty line calculation. This could lead to increased utilization of benefits and potentially higher government spending on social programs. The bill also requires ongoing evaluation and reporting on the efficacy of the revised poverty line.
Potential Benefits
- Increased eligibility for federal assistance programs.
- More accurate reflection of the true cost of living for low-income households.
- Better accounting for regional variations in expenses.
- Improved access to resources needed for social and economic mobility.
- Regular evaluation and updates to ensure the poverty line remains relevant.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in government spending on social programs.
- Complexity in calculating and administering the revised poverty line.
- Possible discrepancies in eligibility across different states and counties.
- Risk of unintended consequences due to changes in program eligibility.
- Administrative burden on federal agencies to implement and maintain the new system.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to provide for the needs of vulnerable populations. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes to provide for the general welfare of the United States. The specific mechanisms for calculating and implementing the poverty line are within the purview of Congress's legislative authority.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).