Untangling the Safety Net Without Block Grants or Waivers: How States Integrate Programs to Benefit Families

CLASP experts argue against critics of major anti-poverty programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps). These critics’ recommended changes include merging the programs into a block grant, allowing states discretion over major program provisions through waivers, or delegating discretion below the level of states, to local governments or case managers. These proposals are deeply risky for families. New information from the states continues to build the evidence that massive overhaul is simply not necessary to achieve the goal of more streamlined and integrated program administration.