In Case You Missed It… | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

off the charts

POLICY INSIGHT
BEYOND THE NUMBERS

This week at CBPP, we focused on food assistance, the federal budget and taxes, Social Security, health care, poverty and inequality, and the economy.

On food assistance, Kathleen Romig pointed to recent studies that found young people with disabilities are likelier to have trouble affording adequate food. Steven Carlson, Dottie Rosenbaum, Brynne Keith-Jennings, and Catlin Nchako detailed the pivotal role SNAP plays for millions of American children, supporting both their short- and long-term well-being. We also updated our SNAP eligibility and benefits Quick Guide.
On the federal budget and taxes, Chuck Marr explained that expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit to Puerto Rico would boost labor force participation and reward the work of low-income families. We summarized our two recent papers on how to promote economic growth in Puerto Rico and help the island address its budget problems. Isaac Shapiro, Chye-Ching Huang, and Richard Kogan highlighted that the House GOP’s budget plan and “Better Way” tax reform package would cut programs for low-, moderate-, and middle-income families and individuals while significantly raising the incomes of millionaires.
On Social Security, Kathleen Romig outlined three approaches to raising payroll taxes ways to improve program solvency.
On health care, Tara Straw explained that the IRS’s new initiative to inform the public about insurance options is a critical step to getting more Americans comprehensive, affordable coverage. Shelby Gonzales listed three steps to continue the progress that’s been made in reducing the number of uninsured Latinos.
On poverty and inequality, we updated our guide to statistics on historical trends in income inequality.
On the economy, we updated our chart book on the legacy of the Great Recession and our backgrounder on how many weeks of unemployment insurance are available in each state.

Chart of the week: SNAP Overwhelmingly Goes to Poor Families

A variety of news outlets featured CBPP’s work and experts recently. Here are some highlights:

The State-Budget Cuts Trapping Poor Parents
The Atlantic
September 29, 2016

Progressive policies can reduce poverty – as the US shows
The Guardian
September 27, 2016

Millions in U.S. Climb Out of Poverty, at Long Last
New York Times
September 26, 2016

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