The Rhode Island Standard of Need (RISN) report has consistently noted the inadequacy of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) as a reliable measure of economic security, and EPI's 2008 version of the RISN was no different.
The FPL in 2008 was approximately $10,400. Yet, a single adult Rhode Islander in 2008 needed earnings of more than $20,800 — or twice the FPL — to meet a basic needs budget.