1. POVERTY

2. Poverty  14% of the population live in poverty  Poverty Line (threshold): the official measure of poverty; calculated to include those incomes that are less than three times a low cost food budget.  Yearly the government computes a low cost food budget and multiplies it by 3. Less than amount are considered poor.  The government does not look at cost of child care and is the same across the nation.  Single person  2009: $10,830  2011: $10,890  2012: $11,170  Living Wage: poverty line for a family of four  2009: $22,050  2011: $22,350  2012: $23,058  Add – 3,820 for each additional child  http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestoryus2012/2012/ 10/201210343152481862.html http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestoryus2012/2012/ 10/201210343152481862.html

3. Supplemental Measure  The Census Bureau, in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, developed a new measure that will allow for an improved understanding of the economic well-being of American families and how federal policies affect those living in poverty.  The SPM estimates the cost of food, clothing, shelter and utilities, then adds a further 20% for other expenses.  It adjusted for the cost of living in different regions and for whether a family owns or rents its home.  To assess a household's ability to pay for basic expenses, the SPM counts cash income as well as food stamps, tax credits and other government support, minus tax payments, work expenses and out-of- pocket medical costs.  The new indicator will provide a better understanding of America's poor, by measuring both the needs of families and the effect of government help.

6. Could you survive poverty? True or False: Keep track of your answers! 1. I know which churches and sections of town have the best rummage sales. 2. I know which rummage sales have “bag sales” and when. 3. I know which grocery stores’ garbage bins can be accessed for thrown-away food. 4. I know how to physically fight and defend myself physically. 5. I know how to keep my clothes from being stolen at the Laundromat. 6. I know what problems to look for in a used car. 7. I know how to live without a checking account. 8. I know how to live without electricity and a phone.

7. Could you survive in poverty 9. I know how to use a knife as scissors. 10. I can entertain a group of friends with my personality and my stories. 11. I know what to do when I don’t have money to pay the bills. 12. I know how to move in a half day. 13. I know how to get and use food stamps or an electronic card for benefits. 14. I know where the free medical clinics are. 15. I am very good at trading and bartering. 16. I can get by without a car.