Articles and analysis on today's issues

Federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could cause some DC-area families to lose an average of $187 in monthly benefits.
How Policymakers Can Analyze Public Transit Investments to Increase Equity in Access to Employment New analysis shows that enforcing priority bus lines would increase access to jobs for many DC residents, but additional investments are needed to ensure equitable outcomes.Why a Universal Asset Limit for Public Assistance Programs Would Benefit Both Participants and the Government Restrictive asset limits and complex program rules make it difficult for families to navigate public benefits programs. Raising the Supplemental Security Income program’s asset limit and adopting a universal asset limit would simplify the process and reduce administrative costs.Overcoming Obstacles to the Veterans Administration's Loss Mitigation Options Pandemic-era funding allowed the Veterans Administration more latitude to assist veterans and active-duty service members facing financial difficulties, but those funds are expiring, and borrowers need a new loss mitigation alternative.Under Proposed Cuts to SNAP Funding, Families Would Have to Stretch Their Benefits Even Further In most US counties, SNAP benefits do not fully cover the cost of a meal. Recently proposed cuts to SNAP would make it even more difficult for families to afford food.The Evidence Behind President Biden’s State of the Union Policy Proposals Urban evidence on housing affordability, child poverty, and wage stagnation can inform policymakers as they consider President Biden’s proposals from the State of the Union.Creating a National Housing Strategy to Increase Affordability for Renters, Buyers, and Sellers White House National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard detailed a new plan for unlocking housing affordability at a time when homelessness has hit record highs, rental costs are eating a disproportionate share of people’s incomes, and homeownership becomes increasingly unattainable.