Using Bayesian Shrinkage Methods to Derive State Estimates of Poverty, Food StampProgram Eligibility, and Food Stamp Program Participation

摘要

This report presents estimates of the number of poor people and the number ofpeople eligible for food stamps in each state in 1994. It also presents estimates of state poverty rates and food stamp participation rates. All of the authors' estimates were derived using 'shrinkage' estimation methods. This introductory chapter overviews the advantages and some previous applications of shrinkage estimation. Chapter II describes how the authors derived shrinkage estimates, and Chapter III presents the authors' state estimates of poverty and food stamp eligibility and participation. Technical details and additional information about the authors' estimation methods are provided in the Appendix. The food stamp participation rate estimates presented here are also reported and compared with one another in Schirm (1998).