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Social Safety Net

All articles tagged with #social safety net

China’s Growth Gamble: Innovation, Exports, and a Slow Consumption Lift
economy16 days ago

China’s Growth Gamble: Innovation, Exports, and a Slow Consumption Lift

Beijing’s post-property-collapse strategy centers on innovation and high-end manufacturing to achieve “high-quality” growth, but domestic consumption remains weak (about 40% of GDP in 2024), and the social safety net is underfunded amid an aging population. With deficits rising and tax revenue slipping despite growth, China relies on exports and industrial upgrading while retaining old, labor-intensive sectors. If demand doesn’t pick up, overcapacity could depress profits and public finances, potentially hurting both China and its trading partners even as China’s share of global manufacturing climbs and sparks tensions with other economies.

Mark Cuban Highlights Hidden UBI-Like Benefits in Trump-HSA Deal
politics2 months ago

Mark Cuban Highlights Hidden UBI-Like Benefits in Trump-HSA Deal

Mark Cuban suggests that the Trump administration may have indirectly implemented a form of universal basic income through tax-advantaged health savings account (HSA) contributions, which provide eligible individuals with roughly $200 per month in accessible funds, sparking debate about whether this constitutes a hidden UBI. Critics argue the structure benefits the more comfortable and has limitations, while Cuban sees it as a soft safety net for lower-income Americans.

US Billionaires' Wealth Surges Amid Rising Income Inequality
economy3 months ago

US Billionaires' Wealth Surges Amid Rising Income Inequality

The collective wealth of the top 10 US billionaires increased by $698 billion in the past year, highlighting the growing wealth gap in the US, which is exacerbated by policies that favor the wealthy and dismantle social safety nets. The report from Oxfam America calls for reforms in tax policy, campaign finance, and labor protections to address inequality, emphasizing that such disparities are a result of policy choices supported by both political parties.

Critics Warn 'Big Beautiful Bill' Could Harm Low-Income Americans
politics8 months ago

Critics Warn 'Big Beautiful Bill' Could Harm Low-Income Americans

The proposed $4 trillion 'big, beautiful bill' aims to cut social safety net programs like food stamps and Medicaid, potentially causing significant hardship for low-income Americans, while providing tax cuts to the wealthy. Critics warn these cuts could lead to increased healthcare issues, hunger, and financial strain for the most vulnerable, whereas proponents argue they are necessary for reducing waste and promoting economic growth.

Impact of the 'Big Beautiful Bill' and Budget Cuts on Vulnerable Communities
politics8 months ago

Impact of the 'Big Beautiful Bill' and Budget Cuts on Vulnerable Communities

The proposed 'Big Beautiful Bill' by Republicans aims to extend tax cuts but would significantly cut funding for social programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and child tax credits, disproportionately affecting low-income children and families, potentially leading to reduced access to healthcare, food assistance, and financial support, with experts warning about long-term negative impacts on children's well-being and future earnings.

"Testing the Impact of No-Strings Cash Aid on American Families"
social-welfare2 years ago

"Testing the Impact of No-Strings Cash Aid on American Families"

Across the U.S., various places are conducting no-strings-attached cash aid pilots as part of the social safety net, with over 150 basic income programs in progress. Advocates argue that this approach helps people manage rising costs and invest in their families, while opponents express concerns about potential impacts on work. The pandemic has spurred interest in cash aid, but as emergency funding runs out, the future of these programs remains uncertain. Nonetheless, early results show that the extra income not only improves financial stability but also enhances psychological well-being for recipients.

"New York's Struggle to Bridge Gaps in Social Safety Net Revealed"
healthcare2 years ago

"New York's Struggle to Bridge Gaps in Social Safety Net Revealed"

New York State officials have issued new guidelines urging hospitals to improve communication with care teams and outside organizations when caring for severely mentally ill patients. The move comes after an investigation revealed preventable breakdowns in homeless shelters, hospitals, and specialized treatment teams, leading to acts of violence by untreated homeless individuals. The state comptroller described the situation as a "wake-up call" and emphasized the dire consequences of failing to provide mental health services to those in need.