The Center for American Progress believes that a strong social safety net is critical to helping low-income individuals and families build financial security, weather unexpected hardships, and support a thriving economy. The following research and analyses detail how a chronically underfunded safety net harms millions of people across the country over the course of generations. The proposed solutions contained here—and in CAP’s work broadly—highlight the crucial role a strong and responsive safety net plays in the fight to build an inclusive economy.
TANF Must Be Able To Respond Faster and Stronger to Economic Crises
By reforming Temporary Assistance for Needy Families as a strong automatic stabilizer, policymakers can keep millions of Americans out of poverty and counteract recessionary pressures.
Preventing Disruptions to Coverage and Care After the Public Health Emergency
As the conclusion of the national public health emergency looms, state and federal policymakers should improve continuity of care for millions of Medicaid enrollees facing disenrollment and preserve critical access to COVID-19 testing and treatment.
Increased Wage Inequality Has Reduced Social Security’s Revenue
Rising economic inequality has pushed down Social Security’s revenues, but there are a few possible avenues to generating more revenue in order to preserve Social Security.
The ARP Grew the Economy, Reduced Poverty, and Eased Financial Hardship for Millions
Data show that in just one year, the 2021 American Rescue Plan eased hardship for millions of Americans and demonstrated the need for further federal investment to build a long-term, equitable economy that works for all.
How North Carolina Is Using Medicaid To Address Social Determinants of Health
North Carolina has developed a large-scale, comprehensive approach to addressing unmet nonmedical needs—including food, housing, and transportation insecurity—through Medicaid.
How Weak Safety Net Policies Exacerbate Regional and Racial Inequality
While all low-income individuals and families, particularly those of color, struggle to avoid falling into poverty, some receive less support solely because of where they live.
