Rep. Tom Reed (R-Corning)
WASHINGTON- Congressman Tom Reed (R-Corning) has reintroduced legislation that he says will not only give organizations more flexibility in helping people in poverty, but also help individuals find a way out of poverty.
During Tuesday’s conference call with regional media, Reed said the reintroduced HAND UP (Helping Americans in Need Develop their Ultimate Potential) Act and the Standard DATA Act are both intended to make social safety nets more efficient and effective.
“It’s designed to take the anti-poverty measures we have today and update them for the 21st century, based on a a front-line perspective of getting people back to work, to make sure we have the ability and the flexibility in each community to design programs that work for them, as opposed to a one-size-fits-all approach coming from Washington, DC,” Reed said.
Reed said specifically, the HAND UP Act designed to give states the flexibility to change how they administer social welfare programs such Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help make sure more money gets to those who need it and reduces government overhead.
The Standard DATA Act requires consistent data requirements across key human service programs, which will help to more efficiently administer programs and ensure government programs are set up to communicate effectively with one another.
Both resolutions have been sent to committee where the will be considered for future action by the full house.
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