Safety Net Programs
Democrats
Expand current programs
Harris plans to boost funding for Social Security, SNAP, and affordable housing, simplify access to these benefits, and raise the federal minimum wage. She also supports job training and education programs to enhance financial stability and job prospects while strengthening social safety nets.
- Expansion of Social Safety Nets: Harris supports expanding programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid to provide broader coverage and support for low-income and elderly populations.
- Universal Pre-K and Childcare: She advocates for universal pre-kindergarten and affordable childcare to ease the financial burden on working families and promote early childhood education.
- Increased Funding for Housing Assistance: Harris aims to increase funding for affordable housing programs to help address housing instability and homelessness.
- Boosting Food Security: She supports enhancing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to ensure that low-income families have access to nutritious food.
- Strengthening Unemployment Benefits: Harris plans to strengthen unemployment insurance and support measures to assist individuals during job transitions and economic downturns.
- Addressing Income Inequality: Her policies focus on reducing income inequality through higher wages, job training programs, and economic opportunities for marginalized communities.
Republicans
Reduce government spending and cut programs
Trump plans to cut funding for safety net programs like EBT/SNAP, TANF, and Head Start, aiming to lower government spending and reduce the federal deficit.
- Opposition to Universal Childcare: He does not support universal pre-kindergarten or expanded childcare programs, favoring private-sector solutions and parental choice.
- Reduced Housing Assistance: Trump's policies include reducing federal funding for housing assistance programs, focusing instead on private-sector involvement and local solutions.
- Restructuring Food Security Programs: He has advocated for restructuring SNAP, including tighter work requirements and changes to eligibility criteria.
- Limiting Unemployment Benefits: Trump supports limiting unemployment benefits and reducing the scope of federal assistance for the unemployed.
- Emphasis on Economic Growth: His approach centers on promoting economic growth through tax cuts and deregulation rather than direct interventions in safety net programs.
