Tlaib Introduces Economic Dignity for All Agenda to Tackle Affordability Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) introduced the Economic Dignity for All Agenda, a plan to tackle out-of-control costs for our families. The plan would help ensure that every family and child in our country has the resources to live and thrive. Analysis by the People’s Policy Project estimates that this Agenda would lower total poverty in the U.S. by 42 percent and reduce child poverty by 67 percent.

“Keeping people struggling and living in poverty is a policy choice. Currently, nearly one in every five children in Michigan lives below the poverty line. Working families are facing an affordability crisis and 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck,” said Congresswoman Tlaib. “Meanwhile, Republicans are making life more expensive by cutting health care and food assistance. They are even rewarding the billionaires and CEOs who are increasing costs with obscene tax breaks. I’m introducing the Economic Dignity for All Agenda to help ensure that every family and child has the resources to flourish, not just grow.”

Everyone deserves economic security. Instead, most families live paycheck to paycheck, without the savings to cover an unexpected $1,000 emergency expense, the United States has one of the highest child poverty rates among wealthy nations, and far too many newborns are born into economic insecurity as families face rising costs and declining incomes.

The Economic Dignity for All Agenda consists of three bills to help ensure that everyone can enjoy a life of dignity and economic security, at every stage of life: 

The End Child Poverty Act (co-led by Reps. Ilhan Omar and Jesús “Chuy” García) would provide a universal child benefit of $458 per child, per month, bringing us closer to a nation where all children can grow up free from poverty. A universal child benefit would make it easier for working families to afford basic necessities like diapers and childcare, while providing a long overdue safety net for all our nation’s children.

Find more information on The End Child Poverty Act here and full bill text here.

The Baby Bonus Act would provide every family with $2,000 upon the birth of their child, bringing economic stability to households through timely and flexible assistance at a pivotal period for child development.

Find more information on The Baby Bonus Act here and full bill text here.

The BOOST Act (Building Our Opportunities to Survive and Thrive Act) would provide $250 per month to adults between the ages of 19 to 67 years old, promoting economic security for all. Regular cash assistance would make a tremendous difference to families teetering on the edge of poverty or struggling to pay their bills.

Find more information on The BOOST Act here and full bill text here.

This legislative package is cosponsored by Reps. Summer Lee (PA-12), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

“Ensuring economic dignity is crucial for the well-being of our communities. Prioritizing the needs of children—ensuring they are fed, housed, and cared for—should be a national priority. We recognize the significance of supporting families during this affordability crisis and commend this legislative package,” said Nicole Marie White, LM, Director, MI State of Birth Justice.

“Mothering Justice Action Fund is proud to support the Economic Dignity for All Agenda. This package reflects what mamas in our community have demanded through the Mama’s Agenda: real, practical investments that honor care work and make it possible for families to thrive. By centering the lived experiences of mamas and caregivers, we can create the economic support needed to care for their families and build a secure future,” said Liz Dupee, Deputy Director, Strategic Partnerships, Mothering Justice Action Fund.

“This package of bills would provide the biggest leap forward in income support since the Social Security Act,” said Matt Bruenig, Founder of the People’s Policy Project.

“The Economic Dignity for All Agenda is the exact kind of bold, innovative legislation our country needs right now. With food, housing and health care costs skyrocketing, wages stagnating, and our social safety continually gutted, more children and families are going to bed hungry than ever in our country’s history. The primary issue that these millions of families face is a lack of money. The EDAA is a set of bills that understands this, and recognizes that the most straightforward and direct way to combat poverty is to give people the money they lack so they can once again live with the dignity and peace of mind that they can cover their most basic needs,” said Stacey Rutland, Founder, Income Movement.

“Congresswoman Tlaib’s Economic Dignity for All Agenda gets straight to the heart of Americans’ number one concern: affordability. Cash is a policy solution with the flexibility and proven track record to support families during life’s transitions and unexpected challenges. Together, the BOOST Act, End Child Poverty Act, and Baby Bonus Act, could be the guarantee many families need to see their circumstances improve, whether they’re struggling to cover rent, welcoming a newborn, or simply trying to afford basic necessities. Economic Security Project Action is proud to endorse this legislation that builds on a decade of learning from over 160 successful guaranteed income pilots across the country,” said Shafeka Hashash, Director of Cash Initiatives at Economic Security Project Action.

This legislative package is endorsed by Birth Detroit, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, CASH Campaign of Maryland, Community Spring, Compass Family Services, Denver Basic Income Project, Detroit Action, Economic Security Project Action, Georgia Resilience and Opportunity Fund, Imagination Factory, Income Movement, Maryland Child Alliance, MI State of Birth Justice, Michigan Chamber for Reproductive Justice, Motherful, Mothering Justice Action Fund, Nashville Economic Justice Alliance, National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles, Our Revolution, People’s Action Institute, People’s Policy Project, San Diego for Every Child, Shriver Center on Poverty Law, Sunrise Movement Houston Hub, The Bridge Project, USBIG Inc., and Women’s Center of Greater Lansing.

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