CBPP calls on legislators to approve real solutions and not punish poor people in the Grants Pass case

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), the think tank that analyzes the impact of federal and state government budget policies, issued its position on the Supreme Court’s decision in the Grants Pass case.

The decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson, with which authorities can fine or arrest people who do not have a safe place to go for sleeping outdoors with as little as blankets or cardboard, has sparked countless reactions.

Peggy Bailey, Executive Vice President of Policy and Program Development at CBPP, says, “It’s important to understand that policies that punish homelessness don’t exist in a vacuum, because communities find ways to punish poverty in many ways. This needs to stop.”

Bailey demands: “Policymakers must focus on real solutions, like rental assistance, financial assistance, and strong, flexible community services, that have been proven effective in ending homelessness and stabilizing housing.” to people with low incomes. Homelessness is due to the inability of government systems and structures to respond adequately, not to the failings of individuals. Correcting this has to be our goal.”

The CBPP notes that communities are stronger and safer when everyone has a place to call home and is treated with dignity and respect: “We can build that future because we already know how to prevent and solve homelessness: providing rental assistance with voluntary support services.”

For CBPP, many officials across the country have passed laws that make it a crime to be poor and homeless, rather than offering proven solutions.

“The Supreme Court’s decision will allow the City of Grants Pass and other jurisdictions to fine and detain people for simply attempting to seek comfort and protection with nothing more than a blanket or cardboard box when they have nowhere else to go. This deeply disappointing decision prioritizes political expediency over human lives. Arrest records and ticket debt only make it more difficult for people to access the funds and landlord approval needed to find an affordable place to live,” CBPP said.

The agency’s call is for state, local and federal policymakers to make a different choice and use rental and income assistance to directly address the root cause of homelessness: the gap between income and rent.

The CBPP put its finger on the issue: “The question is whether they will have the courage to guide us towards a better future.”

Keep reading:
Thousands of parents and children could be turned away from WIC by September in New York
· CBPP: 5 Things You Should Know About Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment
· CBPP offers training in Spanish to enroll in medical coverage plans