H.R. 6949: Upward Mobility Act of 2026
The Upward Mobility Act of 2026 proposes a pilot program designed to empower states by consolidating funding for various antipoverty initiatives through what are called Upward Mobility Grants. The primary objective of these grants is to enhance the delivery of services aimed at helping low-income individuals, addressing issues such as benefit cliffs, and promoting employment opportunities. The ultimate goal is to improve the upward mobility of those in low-income situations.
Key Features of the Bill
- Funding Consolidation: States will have the ability to merge existing funding streams related to antipoverty efforts, making it easier to manage and allocate resources effectively.
- Service Delivery Improvement: The program is intended to streamline services provided to low-income individuals, potentially reducing bureaucratic hurdles and enhancing accessibility to necessary assistance.
- Benefit Cliffs Reduction: The initiative aims to address the challenges faced by individuals who experience a sudden loss of benefits when they start earning income, often discouraging them from pursuing employment opportunities.
- Employment Promotion: By creating a supportive environment for employment, the program seeks to encourage low-income individuals to enter or re-enter the workforce.
Regulatory Framework
The Secretary will play a crucial role in implementing the program by establishing regulations that ensure compliance and auditing for the state programs that receive funding. This oversight will include:
- Data Sharing: Facilitating the sharing of data among different antipoverty initiatives to enhance cooperation and collective impact.
- Independent Evaluations: Mandating that pilot projects undergo independent evaluations to measure their effectiveness in improving upward mobility and direct assistance.
- Annual Reporting: Requiring states to report annually on the results of their initiatives, contributing to transparency and accountability in how funds are utilized.
Goals of the Legislation
The overarching aim of the Upward Mobility Act of 2026 is to create more effective pathways out of poverty for individuals by providing targeted assistance and resources that foster long-term economic independence and success.
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Sponsors
3 bill sponsors
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Jan. 06, 2026 | Introduced in House |
| Jan. 06, 2026 | Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, Agriculture, Education and Workforce, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. |
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