Removing Red Tape: New Strategies for Strengthening the Safety Net

Nov 02, 2012

This week, the Coalition for Access and Opportunity, of which CLASP is a co-convener, and the New America Foundation hosted an event on Removing Red Tape: New Strategies for Strengthening the Safety Net. In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, it’s been a particularly poignant week to discuss supports for struggling families – supports that help with nutrition and other basic needs during challenging financial times, and can also be especially important in helping families after a disaster. This event focused on the critical role safety net programs play in supporting families and individuals facing difficult financial situations and ways that these programs could be improved.

CLASP’s own Elizabeth Lower-Basch, who moderated the event reiterated, “We know that these programs have made a huge difference in the recession, as well as in better times. Particularly in recent years, people would have been in much worse situations if these programs had not been in place.” The panelists offered perspectives and strategies highlighting federal and local efforts, and the event also launched New America Foundation’s new report on State Asset Limit Reforms and Implications for Federal Policy.

Watch the full discussion online >>

We invite you to view additional resources on strategies to strengthen the safety net:

Final Report on the No Wrong Door Project – Maryland Department of Human Resources

How Human Services Programs and Their Clients Can Benefit from National Health Reform Legislation – Coalition for Access and Opportunity

Moving to 21st Century Public Benefits – Coalition for Access and Opportunity

Improving the Delivery of Key Work Supports – Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Coordinating Human Services Programs with Health Reform Implementation – Center on Budget and Policy Priorities