John,

During challenging times, we should seek to lift more people up. Unfortunately, the Trump administration is doing the exact opposite—trying to count fewer people in poverty. Hiding the truth about the extent of hardship in America will make it harder to do something about it. This would always be a bad idea, and even worse when the economy is plummeting.

They’ve introduced a proposed rule that would more narrowly define poverty. At first, research findings could understate who is poor. Over time, that faulty research would likely result in fewer people receiving federal aid—including food assistance, housing vouchers, health benefits, and more.

Tell the Trump administration to extend the deadline, which is fast approaching, and make sure they know you are opposed to counting fewer people in poverty.

The White House claims the number of people living in poverty is being overcounted, so they plan to change how poverty is calculated. That's absurd!

We know more and more people are slipping through the cracks and struggling to pay the bills each month.

Right now, our country is in the midst of a public health emergency, and our focus must be on helping our communities in this great time of need. Given the circumstances, the Trump administration should extend the time public comments are accepted on this proposal until after the pandemic is over. The current deadline is next Tuesday, April 14th.  

Submit your official comment today! Tell the Trump administration to extend the deadline and make sure they know you are opposed to hiding the truth about low-income and vulnerable families across the United States.

Thank you,

Deborah Weinstein
Executive Director, Coalition on Human Needs