Poverty Report Puts 40% Of Michiganders At ALICE Threshold

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 06/05/2026) The 2026 Poverty Task Force report put 40% of Michiganders who live at or below the Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, and Employed, or ALICE, threshold that means they can’t afford basic needs.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said addressing poverty in the state was crucial to creating change in the economics, health, educational outcomes, and workforce participation throughout the state and build strong communities.

“The Poverty Task Force’s latest recommendations will help Michigan continue our bold progress to reduce poverty, expand economic opportunity and help more families achieve long-term stability,” Whitmer said.

The goals laid out in the report include helping people get a better job, improving public safety by helping people who need jobs find them, help people find a place to live, and supporting the lives of kids in poverty.

Michigan Association of United Ways CEO Kaitlynn Lamie said one-in-four Michiganders were above the poverty line, but still didn’t make enough to survive.

She thanked Whitmer for adding ALICE people to what the task force looked like.

“When ALICE thrives, our economy and communities thrive, too,” Lamie said.

The report looked at some of the programs that were already in place and cited RxKIds as one of the policy pieces that was helping support people in poverty and ALICE. The program has taken criticism from Republicans in the state House.

Department of Labor and Economic Development Deputy Director for Prosperity Kim Trent said that investing in opportunities for people in poverty would help families across the state.

“While there is much work that lies ahead, this report offers state government solid strategies to help financially struggling families in Michigan thrive,” Trent said.