HPJC endorses the Economic Dignity for All Agenda, introduced into the US House by Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12). The Economic Dignity for All Agenda is a plan to tackle out-of-control costs for our families. The plan would help ensure that every family and child in our country has the resources to live and thrive. Analysis by the People’s Policy Project estimates that this Agenda would lower total poverty in the U.S. by 42 percent and reduce child poverty by 67 percent.
Everyone deserves economic security. Instead, most families live paycheck to paycheck, without the savings to cover an unexpected $1,000 emergency expense, the United States has one of the highest child poverty rates among wealthy nations, and far too many newborns are born into economic insecurity as families face rising costs and declining incomes.
The Economic Dignity for All Agenda consists of three bills to help ensure that everyone can enjoy a life of dignity and economic security, at every stage of life:
The End Child Poverty Act (co-led by Reps. Ilhan Omar and Jesús “Chuy” García) would provide a universal child benefit of $458 per child, per month, bringing us closer to a nation where all children can grow up free from poverty. A universal child benefit would make it easier for working families to afford basic necessities like diapers and childcare, while providing a long overdue safety net for all our nation’s children.
The Baby Bonus Act would provide every family with $2,000 upon the birth of their child, bringing economic stability to households through timely and flexible assistance at a pivotal period for child development.
The BOOST Act (Building Our Opportunities to Survive and Thrive Act) would provide $250 per month to adults between the ages of 19 to 67 years old, promoting economic security for all. Regular cash assistance would make a tremendous difference to families teetering on the edge of poverty or struggling to pay their bills.
This legislative package is cosponsored by Reps. Summer Lee (PA-12), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).
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