Flores Pushes House Proposal to Combat Poverty Empower Individuals

Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON D.C. - Success is not measured by the number of people presently enrolled in welfare programs but by the number of people who are able to permanently leave those programs because they have achieved a better life said House Republican Study Committee Chairman (RSC) Bill Flores (R-TX) following the release of a broad set of policy initiatives by Speaker Paul Ryans Task Force on Poverty Opportunity & Upward Mobility.   

The new House agenda reflects a fresh approach to tackle our nations most difficult and enduring problems. Last month the Republican Study Committee offered substantial policy input to each of Speaker Ryans six task forces charged with charting a new course for House Republicans. Our Empowerment Initiative gathered the best proven conservative ideas to strengthen our safety net programs and restore hope to Americans struggling to escape poverty. Many of those ideas were incorporated in the Houses new initiative on Poverty Opportunity & Upward Mobility. In particular we know that we can improve more lives by implementing work requirements incentivizing strong families allowing portability in housing assistance and combating fraud and unaccountability so programs better serve those who need them. The next step is turning these proposals into concrete pieces of legislation said Flores. I wholeheartedly commend Speaker Ryan and the Poverty Opportunity and Upward Mobility Task Force members many of whom also belong to the Republican Study Committee for their open communication and hard work on this important issue.

Background Last month the Republican Study Committee released its proposal Strengthening Our Safety Net Programs by Empowering People. The proposal submitted to the Speakers corresponding task force included key recommendations such as:

• Implementing Work Requirements
• Eliminating Marriage Penalties
• Reforming the Earned Income Tax Credit
• Streamlining Federal Housing Assistance

The RSCs additional policy submissions include:

• Strengthening National Security. Submitted to the House Republican National Security Task Force.
• Creating an Environment for Jobs and Economic Growth. Submitted to the House Republican Reducing Regulatory Burdens Task Force.
• Fixing the Tax Code. Submitted to the House Republican Tax Reform Task Force.
• Patient-Centered Health Care Reform.Submitted to the House Republican Health Care Reform Task Force.
• Limiting Government and Reclaiming the Constitution. Submitted to the House Republican Constitutional Authority Task Force.

You can read more about all six policy submissions here.