Policies > Renewing America > Section 6

Modernizing the social safety net

The pandemic has forced attention on the shortcomings of our nation’s safety net, creating opportunities to reimagine and strengthen that system as policymakers focus on rethinking and rebuilding our economy. With the continued advances of automation, the rise of the gig economy, and the increasing cost of living, workers will need a robust safety net to ensure that they can care for their families and have the security to retrain and adapt to the job market.

As Oregon Treasurer Tobias Read noted at a NewDEAL event on the safety net, we cannot let the restoration of a previous status quo be the limit of our ambitions. The total rupture caused by the pandemic is grave but is also a unique opportunity to update and remake our safety net with a long-term eye to ensuring that American workers and families are supported for success. While partnership with the federal government is necessary for the safety net to meet the challenges we face, state and local governments can and should be on the frontlines of key changes while creating national models for the best solutions.

Rebuilding a New Normal: Key Principles and Policy Goals

Guiding principle: Use this time of disruption and great need to address long-standing issues in our safety net, where possible, rather than simply expanding what already exists.

  • Simplify and Centralize

    Simplify and centralize social safety net data so that changes made in one system are reflected across all systems, making it easier to serve those in need and simplifying their ability to access services.

  • Prioritize Benefits Programs

    In the short term, prioritize benefits programs that address hunger-- students and workers can’t be successful when they are hungry. 


  • Increased Direct Federal Funding

    Advocate for increased direct federal funding to cities and states around building the safety net

  • Innovations in Financial Access

    Use innovations in financial access and education to make it easier for families and individuals to save and prepare for an uncertain future, and to access credit and banking services.

  • Portable Benefits Programs

    Pilot portable benefits programs to ensure that all workers -- including independent contractors and non- traditional workers -- have access to benefits like health care, workers compensation, and retirement savings

  • Improve Unemployment Compensation

    Permanently expand and improve unemployment compensation

  • Paid Family Leave Policies

    In the midst of the pandemic-induced crisis of women leaving the workforce, recognize the importance of stronger paid family leave policies so that all parents and caregivers, especially women, are not forced to choose between providing important care for people they love and keeping the job they need to support their families

  • Housing Investments

    Treat housing investments as essential and as an investment in Americans’ ability to stay healthy and to stay employed, as changing norms of work due to the pandemic have led to many activities taking place from the home.

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