Public Benefits
Public benefits kept 44 million out of poverty in 2017 according to data from the Census Bureau with Social Security responsible for keeping 27 million people above the line on its own. Given the enormous importance of these programs, figuring out how best they should be structured to assist those in hardship and encourage opportunity is a crucial question.This section of the Spotlight website gathers the latest research, news, and opinion around government benefits and programs.
Related News
Trump's Attempt to Freeze Grant Funding Leaves Nonprofits Reeling
“For nonprofits, the freeze is mostly over. The worry is just beginning.
New Bipartisan Bill to Expand Medicaid in Georgia Faces Difficult Path
“Democrats in the state legislature are making another attempt this session to extend health insurance to more Georgians under Medicaid coverage — and this time, four Republicans have already signed on, despite Gov. Brian Kemp making clear he does not back full Medicaid expansion. “We believe that this bipartisan legislation can get passed,” Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones told reporters at a Tuesday press conference.” Read more from WABE.
'Set Up to Fail': A Mississippi Mother on What the U.S. Gets Wrong About Poverty
For Homeless Seniors, Getting Into Stable Housing Takes a Village And a Lot of Luck
“COLUMBIA FALLS, Mont. — Over two years ago, Kim Hilton and his partner walked out of their home for the final time. The house had sold, and the new landlord raised the rent.
Trump Drive to Cut Safety Net Could Hit His Voters
“In his first term as president, Donald J. Trump targeted what many Republicans consider blatant welfare waste — a rule that gives food stamps to millions of people with incomes above the usual limit on eligibility.
Medicaid Work Requirements Could Put 36 Million People at Risk of Losing Health Coverage
“Recent proposals from Republican congressional leaders and conservative think tanks would cut Medicaid by taking coverage away from people who don’t meet unnecessary and burdensome work requirements. We estimate that 36 million Medicaid enrollees — including people in every state — could be at risk of losing their coverage under various proposals.”
Under Trump, Medicaid Faces a 'Reset Moment'
“Last fall, South Dakota voters approved a ballot measure that will allow lawmakers to impose a work requirement for Medicaid recipients. Now some lawmakers want the flexibility to abolish parts of the health insurance program if the feds cut spending for it.
The Truth About Fraud Against Medicaid
“As my colleague Edwin Park has explained, capping federal Medicaid payments to states will likely be a key objective for the incoming administration. To lay the groundwork for this radical cost shift, the administration and its allies can be expected to argue that the Medicaid program is riddled with fraud. A leading proponent is Brian Blase, head of the Paragon Health Institute, who is not a fan of Medicaid.
House GOP Puts Medicaid, ACA, Climate Measures on Chopping Block
“House Republicans are passing around a “menu” of more than $5 trillion in cuts they could use to bankroll President-elect Donald Trump’s top priorities this year, including tax cuts and border security.
