Promoting Opportunity (E.O. 13828)

Summary

Changes welfare programs to require work and help people become financially independent instead of relying on government help.

What problem does this solve?

Many government aid programs have trapped people in poverty instead of helping them become independent. This order directs federal agencies to reform these programs by adding work requirements and focusing on self-sufficiency.

What does this order do?

Strengthens work requirements

Directs federal agencies to strengthen existing work requirements for people who are able to work and to add new ones where legally possible for those receiving public assistance.

Requires review of all public assistance programs

Orders the heads of major federal departments to review all of their welfare-related rules and programs to see if they align with the goal of promoting work and economic independence.

Empowers state and local governments

Gives states, tribes, and local communities more freedom to design public assistance programs that fit the specific needs of their populations, including partnering with private and faith-based groups.

Consolidates or eliminates ineffective programs

Requires agencies to identify and either combine or get rid of federal programs that are repetitive or not successful at helping people find jobs and get out of poverty.

Increases program accountability

Tells agencies to create clear ways to measure if their programs are successful, focusing on whether people find jobs, earn more money, and escape poverty.

Enforces benefit restrictions for non-citizens

Requires agencies to report on how they are enforcing laws that prevent non-qualified aliens from receiving federal public benefits.

Who does this affect?

Low-income individuals and families
State and local governments
Federal agencies administering public benefits

What is the real world impact?

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Improves the effectiveness of welfare programs

Aims to reform the welfare system to ensure it helps people move out of poverty and into financial independence, rather than becoming dependent on government aid. This makes better use of taxpayer money.

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Reduces access to public benefits

Strengthening work requirements and eligibility rules could make it harder for people in need to receive assistance. Critics might argue this approach punishes the poor rather than addressing the root causes of poverty.

When does this start?

This order sets several deadlines for federal agencies to review programs and recommend changes within 90 days.

Agency recommendations due

Within 90 days of April 10, 2018, the heads of several federal departments must submit a list of recommended policy changes to reform public assistance programs.

Report on benefit restrictions for aliens due

Within 90 days of April 10, 2018, the heads of several federal departments must submit a report on how they are complying with laws that restrict benefits for certain non-citizens.

Implementation of changes

No later than 90 days after submitting their recommendations, agencies must begin to implement the proposed administrative actions.