Report: Safety-net programs discourage career advancement
While safety-net programs such as Medicaid and food stamps support those in need, they “discourage career advancement,” according to new research from the Georgia Center for Opportunity.
The group’s “Workforce Engagement: A Missing Link in Understanding Income Inequality” examines the drivers behind perceived “income inequality” and offers what the group described as “actionable policy solutions.”
The group also suggested offering work incentives for part-time workers to help them move into full-time roles and increase access to vocational training and educational resources.
“The number of hours worked plays a crucial role in driving upward mobility for households in the bottom quintile,” Jason Gaby, a research fellow at GCO and author of the report, said in a release. “By increasing their working hours and transitioning to full-time employment, these individuals can significantly improve their financial standing,” Gaby added. “We can create an environment where more people can achieve financial stability and independence.”