Written by Nic Dunn
March 26, 2026
America’s social welfare system is intended to provide needed, temporary stabilization to families striving to escape poverty, while helping them move back into stable employment and self-reliance. But for far too many families, the system makes it economically rational to turn down opportunities to earn more and instead remain on public assistance programs. Congress can pass legislation that empowers states to test innovative solutions to these perverse incentives, within clear guardrails with measurable outcomes that boost work and independence.
Impact Analysis: Extended research, data, and policy recommendations from Sutherland experts. For elected officials, public policy experts, and members of the media.
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