H.R.702 - Improving Federal Assistance to Families Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.702, the "Improving Federal Assistance to Families Act," aims to modify the poverty line calculation to better reflect the basic needs of families and regional cost-of-living differences. The bill directs the Bureau of the Census to develop a "Regionally Adjusted Poverty Line" for each state, considering regional price parities. This new poverty line would then be used by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to determine eligibility for federal programs.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be a potential shift in eligibility for various federal assistance programs. By using a regionally adjusted poverty line, some states may see an increase in the number of individuals and families qualifying for aid. The bill also mandates a GAO study on the ALICE threshold as an alternative poverty measure, potentially leading to further adjustments in how poverty is assessed and addressed.
Potential Benefits
- More accurately reflects the economic realities faced by families in different regions of the country.
- Could lead to increased access to federal assistance programs for those in high-cost areas.
- The GAO study on the ALICE threshold could provide valuable insights into alternative poverty measures.
- Flexibility for Premium Tax Credits under the Affordable Care Act ensures low-income households in non-Medicaid expansion states do not lose access.
- Could improve the effectiveness of federal programs by targeting assistance to those who need it most.
Potential Disadvantages
- The new poverty line calculation could be complex and difficult to understand.
- Some states may see a decrease in the number of individuals and families qualifying for aid.
- The implementation of the new poverty line could be costly and time-consuming.
- Potential for political disputes over the accuracy and fairness of the regionally adjusted poverty line.
- The shift in eligibility criteria could create administrative challenges for federal agencies and state governments.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to legislate in ways that "promote the general Welfare." The bill's focus on poverty reduction and improving federal assistance to families falls under this purview. The bill also respects the separation of powers by assigning specific tasks to different branches of government (e.g., the Bureau of the Census, HHS, HUD, and GAO).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).