U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, at podium, speaking at the unveiling of a set of policy proposals aimed at reforming anti-poverty programs and expanding opportunity. The unveiling took place at the House of Help City of Hope in the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, D.C. (Photo provided)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02) Tuesday, June 7, joined Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (WI-01) and several of their colleagues to unveil a set of policy proposals aimed at reforming anti-poverty programs and expanding opportunity. They visited House of Help City of Hope in the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, D.C., where they met with its founder Bishop Shirley Holloway and announced the anti-poverty policy initiative, “A Better Way to Fight Poverty.”

“It was an honor to join Speaker Ryan and my colleagues to visit Bishop Holloway and see firsthand the difference people like her make in this country,” Walorski said. “We talk a lot about breaking the cycle of poverty, and this policy agenda is a way to put those words into action. I’ve heard from too many Hoosiers who are trapped by a flawed welfare system. A new job or a promotion should bring opportunity and hope, not fear and anxiety. It’s time to build a bridge out of poverty so everyone, no matter where they start, has a chance to reach the American Dream.”

Walorski chairs the Nutrition Subcommittee of the House Agriculture Committee and has held more than a dozen hearings during the last 18 months examining the past, present, and future of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Among the issues studied was the “welfare cliff” – the abrupt loss of benefits due to a new job or a raise. The Better Way agenda aims to ensure incentives in anti-poverty programs lead to an off-ramp from welfare, not a cliff, ensuring an easier transition into work.

The full policy report is available here.