Strengthening the U.S. safety net and transfer programs for low-income families

Session Submission Type: Panel

Abstract

This panel will explore how the U.S. safety net and transfer programs can most effectively support children, families, and workers, with the greatest need, and illustrate how to maximize the return on investment by targeting funding and programs where the welfare gains are most concentrated. An efficient, effective, and responsive safety net can reduce economic inequality, support economic mobility, and stimulate economic growth. If targeted effectively, it can help children, families, and workers meet their needs and provide the greatest return on investment to enhance broader social welfare. In the face of rising economic inequality and potential federal cuts or restrictions, state and local policymakers have crucial decisions to make about how to target funds to address the needs of those in their communities. One paper considers the safety net broadly, examining inequality at the bottom of the income distribution. Three papers delve into tax policy, cash assistance, and food assistance programs, asking key questions about child outcomes, work outcomes, and program reach.

Policy Area

• Poverty and Income Policy

Secondary Policy Area

• Family and Child Policy

Chair

• Tim M. Smeeding

Discussants

• Scott Allard, University of Washington

• Alix Gould-Werth, Washington Center for Equitable Growth

Organizer

• Christian Edlagan, Washington Center for Equitable Growth

Individual Presentations

• Taxes, Transfers, and Inequality at the Bottom of the Income Distribution - Presenting Author: Priyanka Anand, George Mason University; Non-Presenting Co-Author: Robert A. Moffitt, Johns Hopkins University

• Long-Run Effects of Family Income on Children’s Education and Employment Outcomes across the Family Income Distribution - Presenting Author: Sophie Marie Collyer, Columbia University

• Direct Cash Assistance, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Block Grant, and Local Economic Growth - Presenting Author: Megan Rivera, Washington Center for Equitable Growth

• SNAP as a work support in California: worker participation and Employment and Training outcomes - Presenting Author: Tess Thorman, Public Policy Institute of California; Non-Presenting Co-Author: Caroline Danielson, Public Policy Institute of California; Non-Presenting Co-Author: Patricia Malagon, Public Policy Institute of California