There’s a lot of debate in Washington, D.C., and across the country right now about how to reform federal programs like Medicaid and Food Stamps. But what if there were a more effective way to improve the prospects of families trying to escape poverty that would save taxpayer dollars?

On this episode, Nic Dunn talks with Vance Ginn, President of Ginn Economic Consulting, host of the Let People Prosper Show, and a former chief economist at the White House Office of Management and Budget. They explore a proposal to replace multiple parts of the social safety net with just one program designed to help stabilize impoverished families while moving them toward work-based self-reliance.

Show notes:

• Empowerment Accounts: Less Poverty and More Self-Sufficiency — Texas Public Policy Foundation
• Strengthening the American Dream: Addressing benefits cliffs to empower safety net participants to pursue work and opportunity — Sutherland Institute
• Work & Opportunity Initiative — Sutherland Institute

Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, equipping listeners to become more effective champions of sound principle and good policy. Visit defendingideas.org.