“State-Level Data Show Recovery Act Protecting Millions From Poverty”
The analysis examines how the policy changes made in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) will affect family income and poverty status by state. It examines seven ARRA provisions: the expansion of three tax credits for working families, two provisions that strengthen unemployment insurance assistance, a provision that boosts food stamp benefits and a one-time payment for retirees, veterans and people with disabilities.
The report finds that, nationally, these provisions are keeping more than 6 million Americans out of poverty and reducing the severity of poverty for 33 million more. In addition to boosting economic activity and preserving or creating jobs, the recovery act is softening the recession’s impact on poverty by directly lifting family incomes.
The analysis was produced by the produced by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
