Statement from Code for America CEO Amanda Renteria on Final Passage of the Reconciliation Bill

“At Code for America, we believe that government has a vital role to play in making people’s lives better and in connecting people with the help they need when they need it most. 

“Unfortunately, this legislation does the opposite. 

“This bill creates significant administrative hurdles for people accessing benefits; strips millions of their health care; and disproportionately impacts lower-income families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Child Tax Credit—two of the federal government’s most successful tools to lift families out of poverty. It will make it harder for an estimated 5 million people to access food assistance and imposes eligibility restrictions for children of non-citizen parents, preventing millions of families from receiving the Child Tax Credit.

“From parents putting food on the table to seniors seeking health care to individuals who rely on life-changing tax benefits, this legislation will make the lives and circumstances of everyday people even more difficult than they already are. For example, decades of research has proven that work requirements are ineffective at increasing employment, create unnecessary barriers, and can drive people who are already working deeper into poverty. They also place a heavier burden on state caseworkers who are tasked with meticulously reviewing and verifying increased documentation. 

“At Code for America, we know that it is possible to design government services that are efficient, reliable, and deliver better outcomes for people. We’ve proven it time and time again, at all levels of government, in red states and in blue states.

“Our work has led us to a better path forward, one that results in a government that is ready, responsive, and resilient. This starts with empowering public servants to innovate, meeting people where they are, and forging partnerships to create solutions that last. From making it easier to retain Medicaid benefits to enabling taxpayers to file a state tax return for free through FileYourStateTaxes, we know how to ensure efficient and effective government service delivery. 

“Code for America is committed to continuing our work toward a government that works for all. We stand ready to support states as they navigate the impacts of this new legislation. 

“Government can—and must—work better for everyone.”