The federal poverty line of $14,580 for a single earner is an inaccurate measure of the true cost of living. Here in New York, the cost of living is 24% higher than the national average, according to the Economic Research Institute. To capture the real cost of living in New York, we need to create a self-sufficiency standard.

Creating a self-sufficiency standard study will measure the effectiveness of anti-poverty programs and determine effective ways to allocate resources to give New Yorkers living wage jobs, enhanced education, job training, and skills development programs.

WE CALL ON NEW YORK STATE to support a self-sufficiency standard study to give New Yorkers the tools they need.