The "Measuring Poverty in America Act of 2009" is pending legislation that aims to redefine the "poverty line." As Sheldon Danziger explained to Michigan Radio's Charity Nebbe, the poverty line has not been changed since it was originally established in 1959, based mostly around food budgets. This new legislation would redefine the poverty line using a "broader basket of necessities" including items such as shelter, clothing, and utilities in addition to food.
