In another example of the Republican Party expanding its policy tent, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) unveiled a new poverty-fighting agenda Thursday at the American Enterprise Institute.
Called “Expanding Opportunity in America” — a “discussion draft” geared toward “starting a conversation” — the agenda includes a new pilot program, as well as tweaks and reforms to a number of policies already in place. Ryan opened his talk Thursday noting the federal government spends money on 92 anti-poverty programs, but that the United States still ranks near the top in measures of poverty compared to other countries.
“We all agree America deserves better,” Ryan said. “We want a strong economy and a big part of that is a safety net that works.”
Ryan spent the bulk of his remarks introducing what he calls the “Opportunity Grant,” which is the key component of the anti-poverty legislation he hopes to bring to the U.S. House floor. The “Opportunity Grant” would funnel funds from 11 federal anti-poverty programs into one consolidated grant. The pilot program would be voluntary to states, and would give them greater flexibility with anti-poverty funds.
“In effect, the states would say, ‘give us some space and we can figure this out,’ ” Ryan said. “The federal government would say, ‘go to it, on four conditions.’ ”
The four conditions Ryan stated are that funds must go to those in need, the grants must require work from recipients, people must have a non-government service provider as an alternative to the state, and that results must be measured by a neutral third party.
If the state met the conditions, it would be able to use the money to expand existing state programs and establish partnerships with other service providers, ultimately with the aim of providing a one-stop shop to give those in need one-on-one attention.
“Under the Opportunity Grant, you could go to one office and work with one person for all your needs. That person would give you financial assistance, but could also act as a personal resource. Maybe you’re struggling with an addiction, and you need counseling. Maybe you come from a broken family, and you need a network of support,” Ryan said. “The point is, you would work together to get you from where you are to where you want to go.”
Ryan noted the requirements for work and non-government service providers allow an opportunity for the federal government, the private sector, and charitable organizations to all come together in the fight against poverty.
Ryan’s poverty agenda comes after visits to urban areas like Milwaukee, San Antonio, and Denver. On these trips, Ryan said he realized an anti-poverty agenda must “listen to the boots on the ground.”
“We need to stop listening to the loudest voices in the room and listen to the smartest voices in the room,” said Ryan.
Ryan’s poverty agenda comes at a time when Republicans are seeking to broaden their base, working on issues such as drug sentencing reform, prison reform, and now poverty and welfare reform.
