House Ways & Means Reconciliation Proposal Forsakes Everyday People to Benefit the Wealthy

These proposals will deepen income inequality, make it harder for people to access benefits they contribute to, and reward wealthy Americans and corporations at a time when everyday Americans are struggling.

May 16, 2025 | Blog Post | Suzanne Wikle

Eligible People Will Lose Medicaid Coverage Through Reconciliation Process

May 16, 2025 | Blog Post | Teon Hayes

Reconciliation Changes to SNAP Would Disproportionately Harm Black and Brown Communities and Families with Low Incomes

May 08, 2025 | Fact Sheet | Isha Weerasinghe

On the Chopping Block: How Medicaid Cuts Will Impact Mental Health

Economic justice requires a public benefits system that works both for anyone experiencing a financial emergency and also supports long-lasting economic security. That’s why CLASP advocates for federal and state policies that center racial equity, increase investment, prevent harmful cuts, and streamline access across public programs. We work to make public benefits like SNAP, WIC, rental assistance, and Medicaid more equitable and effective. At the same time, we call for policies like guaranteed income and an expanded Child Tax Credit, which had an enormous impact on poverty in recent years. We envision a future where basic needs are abundantly met, and everyone has the opportunities and resources to flourish. We envision a system of public benefits that is accessible, equitable, reparative, responsive, easy-to-navigate, and co-created with directly impacted people.

Featured Expert:

Suzanne Wikle

Associate Director for State Health Policy and Advocacy

Public Benefits Justice

New from CLASP

May 16, 2025 | Blog Post | Children, Youth & Families

House Ways & Means Reconciliation Proposal Forsakes Everyday People to Benefit the Wealthy

May 16, 2025 | Blog Post | Health and Mental Health

Eligible People Will Lose Medicaid Coverage Through Reconciliation Process

May 16, 2025 | Blog Post | Children, Youth & Families

Reconciliation Changes to SNAP Would Disproportionately Harm Black and Brown Communities and Families with Low Incomes

May 02, 2025 | Blog Post | Public Benefits Justice

The Power of Community Support and Action: Together We Thrive

April 28, 2025 | Press Release | Child Care and Early Education

New Tracker Documents DOGE’s Harms to Children, Families, People with Low Incomes

No More Double Punishments

People with felony convictions, incarcerated or not, often face “collateral consequences,” which are significant barriers that can range from being denied employment to losing voting rights. Some states subject people with a drug-related felony conviction to restrictions or complete bans on food assistance under SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), cash assistance through TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or both. Public assistance such as TANF and SNAP consistently reduces recidivism, while banning access to assistance has been linked to increases in recidivism. CLASP works to ensure that people transitioning out of incarceration have access to the public benefits support they need to succeed.