To amend the Act of October 19, 1973, to increase the maximum dollar amount of per capita shares for purposes of eligibility for financial assistance or other benefits under Federal or federally assisted programs, and for other purposes.
Summary
This bill, S. 2616, seeks to amend the Act of October 19, 1973, to increase the maximum dollar amount of per capita shares that individuals can receive while still being eligible for federal financial assistance programs. Specifically, it proposes raising the exemption limit from $2,000 to $5,000. The bill also includes technical corrections to the original Act, addressing minor grammatical and spelling errors.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to allow individuals receiving per capita shares (likely from tribal distributions or similar sources) to retain more of that income without losing eligibility for federal benefits. This could provide increased financial stability for those individuals and families. The technical corrections will clarify the language of the original act.
Potential Benefits
- Increased financial stability for individuals receiving per capita shares.
- More individuals may become eligible for federal assistance due to the increased exemption limit.
- Reduced administrative burden for those managing federal assistance programs by simplifying eligibility calculations.
- The technical corrections improve the clarity and accuracy of the original Act.
- Potentially stimulates local economies as individuals have more disposable income.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in the overall cost of federal assistance programs due to expanded eligibility.
- Possible strain on federal and state budgets if the increase in eligible individuals is significant.
- May create a disincentive for some individuals to seek employment if their needs are met through increased benefits.
- Could lead to increased complexity in determining eligibility for assistance programs if not implemented carefully.
- Potential for unintended consequences if the increased exemption limit is not aligned with other eligibility criteria.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to provide financial assistance to individuals in need. The General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1) grants Congress the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments. The bill is within the legislative powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 1.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).