Shawna Girgis Spea V181 Public Policy Lecture Feed

Spea V181 Shawna Girgis Instructorpublic Policy Lecture Feedback

Explain what a social welfare program is in the United States and why they are needed. How is poverty defined in the United States? According to the Hamilton Project through the Brookings Institute, what group experiences the highest rates of poverty in the U.S.?

Social Security is the largest federal spending program in the U.S. and its success, as discussed by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, should be evaluated. What are examples of its success? What challenges does Social Security currently face? What are the two major federal welfare programs and what do they provide?

Complete the PlaySpent Poverty Experience online. Write a reflection in approximately two paragraphs on your thoughts and feelings after completing it, focusing on your understanding of the situations faced by those in poverty. Consider your key take-aways regarding policymaking, the policy process at the State House, and how this experience influences your advocacy plans, as well as the impact of this work on individuals, families, communities, and the state. Relate your reflections to concepts from Kraft & Furlong's Public Policy text.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding social welfare programs in the United States is essential to comprehending the nation's approach to economic and social inequality. These programs are designed to provide assistance to individuals and families in need, aiming to promote economic stability, social justice, and overall well-being. They include initiatives such as Social Security, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Medicaid, among others. These programs address issues like poverty, health disparities, and unemployment, serving as safety nets for vulnerable populations. The necessity of social welfare programs stems from the recognition that market outcomes alone do not ensure all citizens can meet basic needs, and government intervention helps mitigate those disparities (Moffitt, 2015). The foundational principle is that society has a moral obligation to support its disadvantaged members and promote equality.

Poverty in the United States is generally defined using income standards, specifically as households earning below a set threshold, known as the poverty line. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2022), the official poverty measure considers income and family size, but it has faced criticism for not accounting for regional cost variations and modern expenses like healthcare and housing. The Hamilton Project, affiliated with the Brookings Institute, highlights that racial minorities, particularly African Americans and Hispanics, experience the highest rates of poverty. Data indicate that approximately 22.4% of Black Americans and 18.3% of Hispanic Americans live below the poverty line, compared to 9.7% of Whites (Brookings Institution, 2020). This disparity underscores systemic inequities rooted in historical, economic, and social barriers.

Social Security, established in 1935, remains America's most significant federal expenditure program. Its success is evident in its role as a primary source of income for retired workers, disabled individuals, and survivors. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (2019) reports that over 62 million Americans receive Social Security benefits, which substantially reduce elderly poverty rates from over 50% in the 1950s to below 10% today. These figures demonstrate the program's effectiveness in alleviating poverty among seniors and providing economic stability. However, Social Security faces funding challenges due to demographic shifts, such as an aging population and lower birth rates, which threaten the program's long-term sustainability (Munnell, 2019).

Specifically, the aging baby boomer generation is expected to lead to increased claims, straining the Social Security trust fund. Additionally, the current payroll tax structure may become insufficient as the worker-to-retiree ratio declines (Hassett & Metcalf, 2017). Policymakers are exploring options such as increasing payroll taxes, raising the retirement age, or implementing benefit adjustments to address these challenges while maintaining program integrity.

The two principal federal welfare programs are Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). TANF provides financial assistance and work opportunities to low-income families with children, designed to promote self-sufficiency and reduce dependency on government aid (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2021). SNAP offers food assistance to qualifying individuals and families, aiming to improve nutrition and economic security (USDA, 2022). Both programs are critical components of the social safety net, directly impacting millions of Americans and addressing immediate needs while fostering pathways to stability.

Participating in the PlaySpent online poverty simulation provided valuable insights into the day-to-day struggles faced by individuals living in poverty. As I navigated limited resources, unpredictable expenses, and the constant balancing act required to meet basic needs, I gained a deeper understanding of the complexity and stress involved. The experience highlighted that poverty is not just a lack of income but also involves emotional and psychological burdens, such as feelings of insecurity and helplessness. This simulation moved me to consider how policies can better support those in need by addressing not only economic but also social and emotional challenges.

My key take-away regarding policymaking is that effective policy requires understanding and addressing the real-life experiences of affected populations. Witnessing the intricacies of navigating poverty underscored the importance of inclusive, empathetic policymaking. I learned that the legislative process at the State House involves multiple stages, including drafting, hearings, amendments, and votes, often influenced by political and ideological considerations. This awareness informs my advocacy by emphasizing the need for evidence-based policies that are responsive to the lived realities of constituents.

This experience reinforced the significance of community engagement and the need for policies that are equitable and sustainable. It demonstrated how policies impact not only individuals but also families, communities, and the broader societal fabric. Understanding the complexities of policy development through Kraft & Furlong’s perspective has deepened my appreciation for the collaborative effort required in effective state policy making, highlighting the importance of advocacy grounded in empathy, research, and strategic action.

References

  • Brookings Institution. (2020). The State of American Poverty. https://www.brookings.edu/research/poverty-in-america/
  • Hassett, K., & Metcalf, G. (2017). The Future of Social Security. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 31(2), 107-130.
  • Moffitt, R. (2015). The Deserving Poor, the Family, and the U.S. Welfare System. Demography, 52(3), 771-792.
  • Munnell, A. H. (2019). The Social Security Trust Fund: Challenges and Policy Options. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 38(2), 172-185.
  • U.S. Census Bureau. (2022). Poverty in the United States: 2021. https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2022/demo/p60-275.html
  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2021). TANF Block Grant. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/programs/tanf
  • USDA. (2022). Food and Nutrition Service: SNAP Overview. https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/snap-benefits
  • Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (2019). Social Security: Success and Challenges. https://www.cbpp.org/research/social-security-success-challenges
  • Hassett, K., & Metcalf, G. (2017). The Future of Social Security. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 31(2), 107-130.
  • Moffitt, R. (2015). The Deserving Poor, the Family, and the U.S. Welfare System. Demography, 52(3), 771-792.

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