Where can I learn more?
Jeremy Slevin and Rebecca Vallas wrote a helpful explainer on TANF after the 20th anniversary of the 1996 “welfare reform” law last year. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has a great...
View ArticleWhat would block grants mean for SNAP?
Block granting SNAP would eliminate a basic living standard all Americans expect—the ability to put food on the table for their families. First and foremost, SNAP would no longer be responsive to...
View ArticleWhat would block grants mean for Medicaid?
Block granting Medicaid would radically transform the Medicaid system. Under outlines released by Republicans, states would get a fixed amount of money based on total Medicaid spending in their state....
View ArticleWhat programs are at risk of becoming block grants?
The two highest risk programs are Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps). Dating back to at least the Reagan Administration, Republicans have...
View ArticleSo what are some examples of block grants?
Perhaps the most well-known block grant (and the one Paul Ryan wants to use as a model for other programs) is TANF. The law converted a cash assistance program known as Aid to Families with Dependent...
View ArticleIsn’t state and local control more effective?
That’s the most common argument in favor of block grants, but it’s not true. Most block grants have few accountability measures that keep track of how states spend block-granted money. As a result,...
View ArticleWhat is a block grant?
A block grant is essentially a pot of money that the federal government gives to state governments to administer a program. Under a federally guaranteed program,Supplemental Assistance for Needy...
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