This paper has described in some detail the process of moving the measurement of poverty in the CPS to measuring poverty in the SIPP. Considerable detail was presented on the different design and collection methods of each element of a poverty measure. These differences have important effects on the estimation of the SPM. We have also described differences in measurement methods, and this is an area where more work needs to be done. All of estimates for the SIPP describe the survey in its present format. It is also important, however, to consider the effects of the redesign of the SIPP on the calculation of poverty statistics.

Comparing poverty measures in the SIPP with the CPS yields several conclusions. Alternative measures of poverty may be more accurate in the SIPP due to improved income data for those at the lower end of the income distribution. This exercise yields a more informed view of what we are measuring in the CPS. Further analysis of SIPP may take advantage of the longitudinal nature of the survey and add insights into how families of varying types experience poverty over time. Implementing the SPM and the official measure together can tell us if a different measure tells us something new about the persistence of poverty. Other extended measures of well-being, such as ownership of durables and difficulty in meeting expenses, could add further insights into accurately measuring how families and individuals get along.