A View of the State of Working Oregon

Work is not a sure path out of poverty. The official poverty line, based on a formula developed in the early 1960s, underestimates what it takes to make ends meet today. But even with the bar set too low by an outdated calculation, many working Oregon families are unable to rise above poverty.

Lawmakers can help make work pay for working families living in poverty. A top priority should be to renew and strengthen the Oregon’s Earned Income Tax Credit. Lawmakers should also more fully fund programs that support working families, such as child care programs and the job training program for families with dependent children.

Full report is available as a PDF: Working, But Still Poor