Safety Net

Benefits Cliffs

Question A: “Benefits cliffs” caused by strict income requirements for public benefits create significant barriers to career advancement for low-income workers.

Question B: Benefit phase-outs like that included in the design for the earned income tax credit create fewer barriers to career advancement than strict income cutoffs.

Question C: The recent SNAP eligibility policy change by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services will lower barriers to work for low-income people.

Universal Pre-Kindergarten

Question A: A universal state pre-kindergarten program would have economic benefits that would outweigh its economic costs.

Question B: A universal state pre-kindergarten program would reduce poverty and inequality in the state of Ohio.

Question C: A universal state pre-kindergarten program would improve educational outcomes such as high school graduation rates and college enrollment in Ohio.