An Act Establishing A Pilot Program To Mitigate The Benefits Cliff.
Impact
If enacted, HB06099 would implement recommendations from a prior benefits cliff study initiated under the two-generational initiative program. The pilot program is scheduled to begin no later than January 1, 2026, and will allow for a systematic observation of the program's impact on participant families over a three-year period. A report detailing the findings and status of the pilot program is mandated to be submitted to relevant legislative committees by January 1, 2028.
Summary
House Bill 06099 is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing the issue of 'benefits cliffs,' which refers to the situation where individuals or families lose access to public assistance benefits when their income exceeds certain thresholds. Introduced by Representatives Dathan and Hughes, this bill seeks to establish a three-year pilot program that would assist two hundred eligible families already participating in public assistance programs. The intention is to mitigate the negative effects that sudden loss of benefits can have on these families as they strive to achieve economic stability.
Contention
While details of the discussions around HB06099 remain limited, potential points of contention may revolve around resource allocation for the pilot program and the selection criteria for participating families. Legislators may debate the sufficiency of funding to support the pilot for the proposed duration and how it aligns with existing public assistance programs. Moreover, there may be differing perspectives on the effectiveness of such a program in genuinely alleviating the challenges posed by benefits cliffs, particularly among communities that face systemic economic difficulties.