Welfare, Tax Rules Keep Working-Class Americans From Marrying, Experts Say

New report shows 'marriage penalties' fall hardest on the poor

Charles Fain Lehman
September 10, 2020 4:30 PM

The design of long-standing welfare programs likely keeps numerous working-class couples from getting hitched, a research report released Thursday by the American Enterprise Institute argues.

Biden Supported Welfare Work Requirements in 1996, Now Calls Them ‘Morally Bankrupt’

Biden in 1996: 'The culture of welfare must be replaced with the culture of work'

Charles Fain Lehman
December 6, 2019 5:35 PM

Former vice president Joe Biden on Friday called the Trump administration “morally bankrupt” for its expansion of work requirements for food stamps, even though the former vice president was a self-proclaimed architect of America’s work for welfare regime.

AEI Report: Americans Are Getting Older and Dying Younger

Philip Caldwell
June 11, 2019 4:15 PM

A recent paper on American demographics bodes ill for the country's economic and social health. The report by Lyman Stone, adjunct fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, finds that while the American population is becoming older, life expectancies of working-age people are declining. This trend, in tandem with the straining of the country's institutions, has serious implications for America's future.

How Can Policy Help Left-Behind Americans?

New think-tank project aims to articulate American industrial policy

Charles Fain Lehman
April 10, 2019 1:05 PM

A new project, announced Wednesday by the libertarian-leaning Niskanen Center, aims to define a comprehensive program to help put regions struggling despite the roaring economy back on their feet.

House Ways and Means Committee Eyes Welfare Reform

New bill would overhaul Clinton-era program by improving accountability, transparency, efficiency

Haris Alic
May 23, 2018 10:40 AM

After passing President Donald Trump's tax-reform package last year, the House Ways and Means Committee appears poised to tackle welfare reform next.

New SNAP Proposal Aims to Get Millions Off Welfare, Back to Work

House bill expanding work requirements follows Trump order to do same

Charles Fain Lehman
April 12, 2018 1:50 PM

Getting able-bodied adults off of welfare and back into the workforce is the focus of reforms to federal transfer programs in a bill released by the House Agriculture Committee Thursday.

Trump Signs EO to Emphasize Work Requirements for Welfare

White House: Millions of able-bodied Americans on welfare rolls

Charles Fain Lehman
April 11, 2018 12:40 PM

President Donald Trump put welfare reform front-and-center Tuesday evening, signing an executive order to begin a review of federal welfare programs to ensure that they promote helping dependents out of poverty.

Report: Welfare Reform in Kansas Caused Individuals to Reenter Labor Force Earning Higher Incomes

Combination of welfare reforms led to a 78 percent decline in TANF enrollment

Ali Meyer
August 27, 2017 5:00 AM

Welfare reform implemented in Kansas caused individuals to reenter the labor force while earning higher incomes, according to a report from the Foundation for Government Accountability.

Social Security Trust Funds to Be Depleted in 17 Years

In 2022, cost of program will begin to exceed revenue

Ali Meyer
July 14, 2017 1:36 PM

The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance Trust Funds will be depleted in the next 17 years, according to the Social Security Administration's trustees report.

Trump: No Welfare for Immigrants for First 5 Years

Policy would add to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

Elizabeth Harrington
June 22, 2017 1:36 PM

President Donald Trump is asking Congress for new immigration policies that would prohibit new immigrants from going on welfare programs during their first five years in the country.