PUBLIC BENEFITS JUSTICE UPDATE
FEBRUARY 2025

The Racist Roots of Work Requirements in Public Benefits Programs

Emerging proposals from the Trump Administration aim to cut funding for public benefit programs like SNAP and Medicaid by expanding work requirements. This publication examines the racist origins of work requirements and adds to the growing body of research proving their harmful effects. We must eliminate, not expand, work requirements to ensure equitable access to public benefits.

Five Key Takeaways from the Ways and Means Hearing on the 2017 Tax Package

Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee held a hearing about the 2017 Trump tax law, which will expire this year if Congressional Republicans fail to pass a tax package extending the provisions. This blog includes five key takeaways from the committee hearing.

Our Nation’s Health Depends on Medicaid

Medicaid is a cornerstone of our health care system, yet Republicans in Congress are talking about large cuts to the program. This one-pager can be shared with policymakers to demonstrate how important Medicaid is to people across the United States, including seniors, children, and people with disabilities.

In the News

JANUARY 28, 2025 | NPR

Judge pauses Trump’s federal funding freeze as confusion and frustration spread

JANUARY 14, 2025 | THE IMPRINT

Biden Withdraws New Rules on Federal Welfare Funds

DECEMBER 17, 2024 | NEXTGOV

SNAP theft reimbursements could end for many without congressional action

OCTOBER 11, 2024 | ROUTE FIFTY

State, local guaranteed income programs set the stage for federal action

National, State and Local Spotlights

Threats to Public Benefits in Upcoming Tax Bill

Republicans in Congress are crafting legislation to expand and extend tax cuts from the first Trump Administration. Public benefit programs are at risk of funding cuts to “pay for” these tax breaks for the wealthy. The potential cuts to Medicaid alone amount to one-third of all federal Medicaid spending. These proposals include major financial restructuring of Medicaid, including per capita caps, reducing the federal matching rate, and limiting how states can raise their portion of Medicaid funding through provider taxes. The proposals include the same tired attacks on public benefits programs that Republicans have proposed for years, including “work requirements” which we know are a bureaucratic nightmare that “saves” money by kicking people off assistance.

Direct File Available in 25 States

Tax season began on January 27 and the IRS Direct File tool will be available for taxpayers in half of all states! Direct File allows eligible taxpayers to file their taxes online using a quick and easy tool – and it is completely free. Visit https://directfile.irs.gov/ to learn more information.

New York’s New BABY Benefit

Governor Hochul of New York announced a new pre-natal and post-natal cash program in the state called the BABY (Birth Allowance for Beginning Year) Benefit in her State of the State Address. Eligible families will receive monthly payments of $100 during their pregnancy and a one-time payment of $1,200 when the baby is born.

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Key Blog Posts and Publications

JANUARY 22, 2025 | PRIYA PANDEY

A Guide to Creating “Safe Space” Policies for Early Childhood Programs

The Trump Administration recently rescinded guidance restricting ICE’s activity in certain “protected areas.” Immigration enforcement actions had previously been restricted at or near these areas, which include early childhood programs such as licensed child care, preschool, pre-kindergarten, and Head Start programs. As a result, families are questioning whether it’s safe to attend or enroll. This guide gives practitioners, advocates, and policymakers information and resources to design and implement “safe space” policies that safeguard early childhood programs against immigration enforcement, as well as protect families’ safety and privacy. Many lessons from this guide can be applied to food pantries, shelters, and other spaces dedicated to helping people meet their basic needs.

JANUARY 31, 2025 | ASHLEY BURNSIDE

The Earned Income Tax Credit Should be Expanded for Workers Without Children

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps to bolster the incomes of workers with low and moderate incomes and offset taxes owed; it is effective at reducing poverty and has traditionally received bipartisan support. But the EITC available to workers without dependent children in the household is small and not available to younger and older workers without children. Lawmakers should permanently expand the EITC available to this population of workers.

FEBRUARY 4, 2025 | KAYLA TAWA & ISHA WEERASINGHE

Using a System Dynamics Approach to Improve Student Mental Health

Written in collaboration with the National Collaborative for Transformative Youth Policy, this fact sheet explores how system dynamics tools can be critical in making substantive policy changes that can improve mental health for all, including those who are historically disenfranchised. Kayla and Isha discuss their work with partners in Charleston, SC, Gulfport, MS, and Tulsa, OK to make changes in their school districts to support youth mental health.

NOVEMBER 13, 2024 | LORENA ROQUE

Pro-Worker Policies Saw Big Wins in 2024 State Ballot Initiatives

The November 2024 elections brought significant victories for pro-worker policies, including minimum wage increases and expanded paid sick leave. Voters in Missouri and Alaska approved measures to raise the state minimum wage to $15 per hour, while Alaska, Missouri, and Nebraska enacted paid sick leave mandates. These wins reflect a growing demand for fair wages and worker protections, emphasizing the urgent need for Congress to advance national policies that promote economic equity and stability for all.

PBJ Team Update

We said goodbye to Policy Analyst Juliana Zhou at the end of the year. Juliana joined the Public Benefits Justice team in November 2021 and, during her time at CLASP, worked extensively on Medicaid, immigrants’ access to benefits, and data equity work. Please join the team in thanking Juliana for her amazing contributions to public benefits advocacy and wishing her luck in future endeavors!