The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) released a
report summarizing the key takeaways and lessons learned
from the impact of the Great Recession of 2007-09 on safety-net
programs. The report focuses on several large safety-net
programs: Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), CalFresh, California
Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs),
school-based nutrition programs, and the Special Supplemental
Nutrition for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). As the
state shifts its focus from COVID-19 response to recovery, and
state officials negotiate where to make financial investments,
the report draws from past data to identify gaps in the
safety-net programs that may hinder an equitable recovery for
vulnerable individuals and families.
Through data analysis and stakeholder engagement, the researchers
identified a handful of areas where the state can support
recovery for families. The report outlines the steps below to
facilitate a recovery:
Strategically filling gaps in federal funding. An example
would include expanding on supplemental programs which the state
has autonomy over.
Increasing administrative measures and developing a toolkit
of administrative flexibilities to increase the responsiveness of
programs during recessions.
Creating multiple points of delivery. California took a step
in this direction by providing Golden State Stimulus and Grant
Program rebates to tax filers but also one-time payments to
Supplemental Security Income (SSI/SSP) recipients and to CalWORKs
participants.
Improving handoffs across programs to reduce obstacles to
enrollment.
Continuing to increase full participation among eligible
Californians.
The report notes that the safety-net programs did respond to the
needs of many families during the Great Recession and after, but
the state can take more steps through this recovery process to
immediately help those individuals and families who were
vulnerable before the pandemic.
The PPIC will hold a webinar on June 16, 2021,
to highlight their findings and have a panel discussion including
panelists from the Children’s Partnership, the California
Association of Food Banks, and the California Department of
Social Services. Please register for this event
here.
