Development of the Wisconsin Poverty Measure: Methods and Findings for 2008

• Activity Number: 556
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Wednesday, August 4, 2010 : 2:00 PM to 3:50 PM
• Sponsor: Social Statistics Section
• Author(s): Timothy Smeeding*+
• Companies: Institute for Research on Poverty
• Keywords: poverty ; measurement ; state

Abstract

This paper describes efforts to develop a more accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date measure of poverty in Wisconsin. The new measure targets areas of greatest need and reflects the effects of anti-poverty policies and programs within Wisconsin by encompassing state-specific taxes and transfers as well as federal program effects. Based on input from state and national experts, the Wisconsin model uses American Community Survey data and imputations to measure the level, depth, and trends in poverty. This session will also assess the ways in which the Wisconsin measure affects the demographic composition of those living in poverty, how this model compares to efforts in other parts of the country, and how it can be used to simulate the effects of policies and programs on poverty in Wisconsin.