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HB 6099

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PILOT PROGRAM TO MITIGATE THE BENEFITS CLIFF.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lucy Dathan and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut pilot program reduces public benefits loss as recipients earn more income, removing work disincentives for low-income families.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Human Services
#pilots #publicwelfare
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Bill Summary · HB 6099

Legislative bill overview

HB 6099 establishes a pilot program designed to address the "benefits cliff" – a situation where individuals and families lose government assistance benefits as their income increases, creating a disincentive to earn more money. The bill would test strategies to make the transition off public assistance smoother and less financially punishing for low-income Connecticut residents.

Why is this important

The benefits cliff is a documented policy problem that can trap people in poverty by making it economically irrational to accept raises, additional work hours, or better employment. By piloting solutions, Connecticut could develop evidence-based approaches that help people increase earnings without immediately losing critical support like healthcare, childcare assistance, or food benefits – potentially reducing long-term public assistance dependency.

Potential points of contention

  • Program costs: Pilot programs require funding; unclear whether this reduces overall benefits spending or increases state expenditures during the testing phase
  • Design specifics: The bill's framework isn't detailed in available text – which benefits are included, income thresholds, and phase-out schedules remain undefined and will generate policy debate
  • Scalability concerns: A pilot's success doesn't guarantee broader implementation costs or effectiveness across different demographic groups and regions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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