Safety net programs address persistent problems, such as poverty, and protect workers and families during downturns, making it easier to meet basic food, housing and health needs. Our posts on this subject include research on Medicare and Medicaid; social security; the short- and long-term benefits of poverty relief; the increasing focus on employment in combating poverty; and how the social safety net has responded to the COVID-19 crisis.
March 17, 2020
In the face of a potentially precipitous decline in economic activity it is necessary to act quickly, not least to stem a vicious cycle whereby a downturn generates panic, which exacerbates the downturn.
January 27, 2020
Under the new public charge rule, usage of Medicaid and SNAP would be considered for some immigration decisions. The reduction in spending would be non-trivial.
October 28, 2019
During economic downturns the social safety net can help families meet basic needs while providing a fiscal stimulus to the economy.
August 1, 2019
New rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would end eligibility for over 3 million people who qualify under Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility
April 2, 2019
Over 9 million children lived below the poverty line in 2015. Evidence-based solutions could make a substantial difference in the rate of child poverty.
March 14, 2019
State Earned Income Tax Credits have been shown to play a role in reducing poverty while encouraging work participation. But their generosity varies greatly.
January 23, 2019
If the shutdown delays March SNAP benefits, millions of households would be directly impacted, including one-sixth of U.S. children.
January 7, 2019
Research shows that there is a range of ways the nature of jobs, the types of compensation, and the type of workers employed respond to changes in the minimum wage.
November 13, 2018
Tax policy and the social safety net play a role in mitigating inequality, but policy in these areas has not shifted to address the widening U.S. income gap.