Republicans should address welfare’s work disincentives in budget reconciliation

As budget reconciliation negotiations continue in Washington, some congressional Republicans see an opportunity to improve social welfare programs by strengthening work requirements. Just last month, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK) introduced the SNAP Reform and Upward Mobility Act. This follows the Let’s Get to Work Act from Rep. Mike Kennedy (R-UT) and Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) released earlier this year.

Given the evidence of work requirements’ positive impact and broad popularity, this approach is understandable. It’s also incomplete.