After 50 Years, Measuring Tool Is Rusty.

The article reports that the method used by the U.S. Census Bureau in coming up with poverty estimates is deemed outdated. The official measurement used by the bureau is based on the 1965 method developed by economist Mollie Orshansky. Under the existing method, people who face costs that exceed their ability to pay for them are included in the count. The same method is used to determine who will get food and housing assistance and other benefits from the government.