This week a House GOP task force on poverty, opportunity, and upward mobility released their blueprint for a poverty agenda, A Better Way, to mixed reviews. The topic of poverty, and issues that those in poverty struggle with every day, doesn’t get nearly enough attention as it should. The fact that Speaker Ryan and leadership are willing to generate ideas and spur discussion and debate should be applauded.
The plan focuses on five different areas: 1) reward work, 2) tailor benefits to people’s needs, 3) improve skills and schools, 4) plan and save for the future and 5) demand results. There are a number of recommendations within these areas ranging from reforming the Pell Grants program (which provides financial aid to students), giving states more flexibility to improve welfare, and consolidation of dozens of existing programs into fewer. The plan favors more public-private partnerships – one of the many places where local Goodwill® organizations can play a role.
While even Progressives may agree with many of the broad statements in the plan, the details will always be what matters most. Those who have criticized the plan, including the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, have noted that the proposals would likely do more harm than good and may even result in more people in poverty.
The plan has been touted as a starting point in ongoing conversation about poverty reduction. Last year, local Goodwill organizations collectively provided job-training services and employment programs to more than 350,000 individuals who identified themselves as welfare recipients or low-income. Furthermore, 312,000 individuals with barriers to employment were placed on career pathways with the assistance of Goodwill. Thus, Goodwill has the insights and experience to engage in conversations and present ideas on how to move individuals and families out of poverty.
The Speaker notes that the plan “does not cut or increase spending on the poor by a penny.” Congress is currently debating appropriating funds for critical job-training and workforce development programs including many of the programs discussed in the GOP plan. Goodwill has advocated that funding for job-training programs in the new Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act and youth programs be awarded at the fully authorized levels. We have also asked for increases in funding for Pell Grants and programs for older workers.
You can help us in our efforts and stay up to date on discussions as these ideas may be turned into more detailed legislation by registering for the GII Legislative Action Center.
