Concurrent Resolution on State Innovation for Transition from Government Benefits to Self-reliance

This concurrent resolution (SCR 7) urges the federal government to grant states greater flexibility to design and test new approaches for welfare programs. It specifically addresses the "benefits cliff" and "benefits plateau" problem, where families on government assistance lose critical support when earning more income, discouraging work. Utah highlights that 77% of benefit recipients fear income increases will reduce their benefits, trapping them in poverty. The resolution requests federal action to allow states like Utah to experiment with innovative, work-focused reforms while maintaining budget neutrality and reducing complex federal reporting requirements.