In this clip from KDKA/Pittsburgh PA, I discuss Innovating for the Public Good: R&D for Democracy’s (IFPG) recently released report examining the barriers to accessing SNAP, TANF and Medicaid.

In Pennsylvania, all three programs use one application form — that is the good news. The bad news is the programs have differing eligibility rules and a confusing 15-page form with 17 pages of instructions. After all that, SNAP and TANF require mandatory interviews.

Deep funding cuts have further slowed processing times, compounding access challenges. The Trump Administration has added even more requirements and barriers. The result? Families face unnecessary hurdles to meet basic needs — delays that can mean going without food, healthcare or income support — eroding public trust in the safety net and fueling frustration with government responsiveness.