Scott Statement on Ryan Anti-Poverty Plan
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations on the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement on House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan's Anti-Poverty Plan released today:
"I strongly commend Chairman Ryan for endorsing sentencing reform in his Anti-Poverty Plan. Studies of mandatory minimum sentencing have concluded time-and-time again that they fail to reduce crime, they waste the taxpayers' money, they often require the imposition of sentences that violate common sense, and they unnecessarily destroy families and communities. I am pleased that Chairman Ryan has specifically endorsed the Smarter Sentencing Act, which I have introduced with Republican Congressman Raul Labrador of Idaho. Our bill reduces the harm of mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenses by granting discretion to federal judges to sentence below the mandatory minimum.
"I am also pleased that Chairman Ryan has endorsed another bill, the Public Safety Enhancement Act, which I have introduced with Republican Congressman Jason Chaffetz of Utah. This bill implements a post-sentencing dynamic risk assessment system to identify an inmate's risk of recidivism. Then, using evidence-based practices developed by states, effective recidivism reduction programs are identified and utilized. High rates of recidivism, as pointed out in Chairman Ryan's plan, contribute to a cycle of poverty in too many of our communities.
"Without knowing all the precise details, I am also encouraged that Chairman Ryan's plan calls for a commission on evidence-based policy making. It should be obvious that sound policymaking be based on the best evidence available. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. For example, too many of our nation's so-called 'tough on crime' laws have not been based on any readily available evidence and have been shown to actually contribute to the crime rate. Additionally, proponents of certain tax cuts have argued that targeting significant relief at the wealthiest Americans would grow the economy and reduce the deficit. This theory has also been debunked time-and-time again by the data.
"While I commend Chairman Ryan's work in outlining a detailed proposal, I am deeply concerned by some of the proposed changes, particularly in education policy and workforce training programs. The plan calls for the creation of an Opportunity Grant which would replace many of the current federal programs that keep Americans out of poverty. While coordination across these programs can and needs to be improved, a full consolidation could result in loss of services and diminished access. The plan offers no detail on how it will ensure that marginalized groups can retain access to social service programs, particularly job training programs that are tailored to meet their unique needs.
"Further, the plan proposes eliminating or cutting programs that are currently working, such as the Social Services Block Grant and the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program. It also alludes to the need to reduce eligibility and benefit levels for Pell grants. In order to craft a holistic approach in reducing poverty, we must strengthen the programs that we know are working and continue to improve them.
"It is my hope that Chairman Ryan will be willing to work with all Members of Congress to address the issue of pervasive poverty in this country. I applaud his good faith effort in proposing his vision, but remain concerned by the lack of important legislative initiatives that will have a profound positive impact on poor and working families, such as raising the minimum wage, guaranteeing equal pay for equal work, and enhancing retirement security. I hope that we will be able to work together to eradicate poverty in America."
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