Poll Says Federal Poverty Level Too Low

According to a new poll by the Northwest Area Foundation of St. Paul, most people think the federal government substantially undercounts the incidence of poverty in America, reported the Star Tribune.

Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults say a family of four needs at least $40,000 a year to rise above poverty - far above the federal government's poverty threshold of $19,806 for a family of four. Half the respondents said that they know "a lot" of people who are struggling to get by. The survey found that most Americans think local officials have an important role to play in reducing poverty and believe that poverty can be reduced in their communities.

More than a third of respondents said they would very likely agree to pay $50 a year more in taxes to help alleviate poverty. Over the next decade, the foundation plans to spend $150 million on 12 anti-poverty programs in eight states, the article said.

To access the survey, click here.