CBPP Reports Examine Safety Net

The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities has issued WHAT DOES THE SAFETY NET ACCOMPLISH? Series of Reports Examine Research Findings. 

Public benefit programs cut the number of poor Americans nearly in half (from 58 million to 31 million) and dramatically reduce the severity of poverty for those who remain poor, while providing health coverage to tens of millions of people who otherwise would be uninsured, according to a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

The report is one of a series the Center is issuing that reviews recent research on the effects of public benefit programs, primarily “safety-net” programs aimed at low-income families and individuals.  The reports, based on a broad range of government and non-government studies, are particularly relevant today as policymakers begin to consider possible budget reductions in some of these programs in September, when Congress is charged with producing “budget reconciliation” legislation.

The first set of reports, issued today, cover Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), food and nutrition programs, the Supplemental Security Income Program for the elderly and disabled poor, and the Earned Income Tax Credit.  Each report includes state-by-state data on the number of people assisted by that program.  A separate Center report issued today examines the combined impact of the nation’s system of public benefit programs.  Forthcoming reports will cover areas such as housing, child care, and child support enforcement.

Get the full reports at the CBPP website.