Today in the United States, some 45 million people live at or below the poverty line (or level).  The poverty level in the United States is a family of four that lives on an income of $21,000 dollars or less per year.   We support an increase in funding for all federal government programs that have been developed to alleviate the struggles brought on by poverty.  In addition, we support the development of new programs to assist the most in need amongst us.