From Cliff to Pathway: Unlocking Economic Mobility in Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, 52% of children grow up in families facing the challenges of poverty. For many, programs such as NAP (Nutrition Assistance Program), Medicaid (Plan Vital), TANF, and housing subsidies are essential lifelines. However, an invisible barrier exists: a step toward economic progress—such as an increase in work hours or a promotion—can trigger a sudden and disproportionate loss of these vital supports.

How can we ensure that the federal social protection system serves as an effective springboard for workforce participation and economic mobility for families in Puerto Rico?

The Instituto del Desarrollo de la Juventud (IDJ) invites you to a briefing and data presentation: "Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Benefits Cliff and the Economic Mobility of Families in Puerto Rico."

This session is designed to provide an in-depth look at how current program rules can be modernized to better accompany families on their journey toward financial self-sufficiency.

During this briefing, you will:

• Hear real-life stories from families in Puerto Rico navigating systemic barriers to economic mobility, alongside expert commentary that brings context to the challenges they face.
• Analyze evidence on how current federal and local benefit rules impact labor force participation on the island, and what this means for families striving to get ahead.
• Gain insight into emerging challenges tied to proposed federal policy changes that could further affect access to benefits and economic stability.
• Engage with a panel of experts and stakeholders as they react to these findings and discuss actionable policy solutions to transform benefit cliffs into pathways that protect and promote upward mobility.

Join us and be part of the conversation!

Limited seating. Registration required.

Information:

• Location: Cannon House Office Building room #240
• Hour: 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Instituto del Desarrollo de la Juventud