Senator Cruce’s Senate Concurrent Resolution 102 directs the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) to review Delaware’s public assistance programs with a focus on identifying “benefit cliffs” that prevent families from moving forward economically. ALICE – an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – represents households who make above the federal poverty level, but still struggle to afford expenses to sustain their families. Sen. Cruce worked with ALICE through the creation of this legislation that would help them meet the needs of those affected.
These benefit cliffs occur when an increase in earnings lead to a significant loss of public assistance, leaving families worse off despite working harder. By requiring DHSS to evaluate these programs through the perspective of ALICE households, SCR 102 ensures that policymakers take into account the lives experiences of Delawareans who are working, but still struggling to meet basic needs.
Senator Dan Cruce has been an avid advocate for ALICE, and this legislation is one small step forward in building a better Delaware – where hard work pays off and every family has the chance to thrive without fear of being pushed backward by the systems designed to help them.