More in US identify as 'lower class'

Austin American-Statesman
Category: Economy
Level: National
This article is concerning an issue families/individuals face.

Why it is important:
One can assume that a family that identifies as lower class does not feel that they have the ability to adequately sustain themselves. Some of these families may be receiving benefits like SNAP, but most probably do not fall below the "poverty line." That means, we clearly need to redefine the poverty line.

My views:
The number of people who claim to be lower class is directly related to the current economy. The poverty line, which has not gone up in direct relation to inflation, is entirely too low. People who are supposedly making too much money to receive benefits are struggling to make ends meet and put adequate amounts of food on their table. Our definition of poverty needs a make over. Maybe we haven't revised the definition of poverty because we, as a country, don't want to admit that the great United States has a problem. Maybe we don't want to admit that we need a major reform. It seems that everyone is aware of the issue, but what I don't understand is, why hasn't someone who has the power decided that they were going to look at the poverty problem we are having and readjust the requirements to fit the he nations' needs? I understand that allowing more people to receive benefits will cause those funds to deplete faster and in turn we would have to figure out a way to supply more funds which could include higher taxes. There are so many issues that could spin off of adjusting the poverty line, but why aren't we at least addressing these issues, one by one, and taking baby steps toward implementing a plan that could help those that are feeling the pain of living in poverty? There is a lot to think about and consider but there has to be something we can do to improve this situation. Raising minimum wage might help.