Upward Mobility Act of 2026
Summary
The Upward Mobility Act of 2026 proposes a pilot program allowing up to five states to consolidate federal funding from various antipoverty programs into Upward Mobility Grants. These grants would be used to implement pilot projects aimed at streamlining service delivery, reducing benefit cliffs, and promoting upward mobility through improved employment outcomes. The Act seeks to provide states with greater flexibility in designing and implementing antipoverty programs while maintaining certain safeguards and evaluation measures.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the Upward Mobility Act could lead to significant changes in how antipoverty programs are administered and delivered at the state level. States participating in the pilot program would have the authority to waive certain statutory and regulatory requirements, consolidate funding streams, and design innovative approaches to address poverty. The Act emphasizes rigorous evaluation and data sharing to assess the effectiveness of these pilot projects.
Potential Benefits
- Increased state flexibility in designing and implementing antipoverty programs.
- Potential for streamlined service delivery and reduced administrative burdens.
- Focus on improving employment outcomes and reducing dependence on public assistance.
- Encourages innovative approaches to address poverty and benefit cliffs.
- Requires rigorous evaluation and data sharing to assess program effectiveness.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for reduced funding for antipoverty programs in non-participating states.
- Risk of unintended consequences from waivers of statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Complexity of program design and implementation may pose challenges for states.
- Dependence on state capacity and commitment to program integrity.
- Potential for unequal access to benefits and services across different states.
Constitutional Alignment
The Upward Mobility Act appears to align with the Constitution's broad mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States. The Act's focus on empowering states to address poverty and improve employment outcomes could be seen as a legitimate exercise of this power. However, the Act's waiver provisions may raise concerns about potential conflicts with existing federal laws and regulations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).