Pretending poverty doesn’t exist won’t reduce poverty. But a new federal plan seeks to shrink the federal poverty line, making it a less accurate measure of need.

The Office of Management and Budget’s proposal would reduce annual cost-of-living adjustments to the poverty line. And that would have disastrous consequences for millions of struggling Americans.

It’s time for advocates to speak out against this plan. Tell the White House not to use an artificial definition of poverty to deny people essential services. The comment deadline is June 21, 2019, so it’s important to act quickly.

Changing the way the federal poverty line is adjusted for inflation isn’t just an academic question. It would cause real-world harm to Alabamians struggling to make ends meet. You can read Alabama Arise’s full comments in opposition to this plan here.

Over time, this proposal would reduce or end federal work supports for millions of Americans. Fewer people would be eligible for Medicaid, SNAP food assistance, school meals, energy assistance and other important programs. The cuts would hit especially hard for children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Redefining the poverty line wouldn’t reduce hunger or hardship. It would only mask the severity of human suffering.

There’s still time to share your thoughts on this proposal. Click here to submit a comment through the online portal that our friends at the Coalition on Human Needs created. Then ask your neighbors and friends to do the same. Remember: The comment deadline is June 21, 2019, so act quickly!