A discussion draft recently released by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) would expand the earned income tax credit and roll 11 anti-poverty programs into one block grant that would be available to states.
The discussion draft, which is called “Expanding Opportunity in America,” would implement a pilot project that aims to strengthen safety net programs and reform education, criminal justice and regressive regulation, according to a press release.
“Hardworking taxpayers deserve a break in this country,” Ryan, the chairman of the House Budget Committee, said. “Too many Americans are working harder and harder to get ahead, and yet they’re falling further and further behind. Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat, we can all agree: America deserves better.”
The discussion draft outlines a plan to double the maximum earned income tax credit for childless workers to $1,005 and lower the age of eligibility from 25 to 21, the Washington Post reports.
“So with this discussion draft, I want to start a conversation,” Ryan said. “I want to talk about how we can expand opportunity in America. I don’t have all the answers; nobody does. But by working together, we can build a healthy economy and help working families get ahead.”
States that accepted federal funding for anti-poverty programs in a block grant would have greater flexibility to determine how public and private agencies support assistance programs in areas like housing, drug treatment and employee training. In exchange, states would have to meet a number of federal requirements, the Washington Post reports.