S.C.R. 7
Signed into LawConcurrent Resolution on State Innovation for Transition from Government Benefits to Self-reliance
Concurrent Resolution on State Innovation for Transition from Government Benefits to Self-reliance
Introduction
Jan 21
Senate Rules
Senate Committee
Jan 28
Senate 2nd Reading
Feb 13
Senate 3rd Reading
Feb 17
House Rules
Feb 17
House Committee
Feb 24
House Floor Vote
Feb 26
Governor Signed
Mar 24
What This Bill Does
This resolution urges the federal government to give more flexibility and autonomy to states to allow for greater innovation and experimentation to help families who receive government benefits more successfully transition off of welfare programs and into work-based self-reliance.
Key Provisions
This resolution:
- articulates the strength of Utah's economy and nation-leading upward mobility;
- establishes Utah's track record as an innovative leader already showcasing the successes and advantages of state-driven approaches to work and welfare;
- identifies evidence of families in Utah who still struggle to fully realize the American Dream due to perceived or actual disincentives in the social safety net in the form of the "benefits cliff" and "benefits plateau"; and
- urges the federal government to increase flexibility and autonomy to allow states the ability to innovate through experiments and pilots to better transition families off of federally funded safety net programs and into work-based self-reliance.
Plain-Language Summary
AI-generated summary. We recommend consulting the bill text for important decisions.
Utah's Legislature and Governor jointly urge Congress and the President to give states more control over federally funded safety net programs — such as food assistance, Medicaid, and cash assistance — by approving waivers faster, converting more programs to block grants (lump-sum funding states can spend with fewer federal strings attached), and reducing federal reporting requirements. The resolution points to survey research suggesting many Utahns receiving public assistance avoid earning more income out of fear that a raise will cause them to lose benefits worth more than the pay increase — a dynamic known as the "benefits cliff."
S.C.R. 7
Signed into LawConcurrent Resolution on State Innovation for Transition from Government Benefits to Self-reliance
Introduction
Jan 21
Senate Rules
Senate Committee
Jan 28
Senate 2nd Reading
Feb 13
Senate 3rd Reading
Feb 17
House Rules
Feb 17
House Committee
Feb 24
House Floor Vote
Feb 26
Governor Signed
Mar 24
IntroductionJan 21
Senate Rules
Senate CommitteeJan 28
Senate 2nd ReadingFeb 13
Senate 3rd ReadingFeb 17
House RulesFeb 17
House CommitteeFeb 24
House Floor VoteFeb 26
Governor SignedMar 24
What This Bill Does
This resolution urges the federal government to give more flexibility and autonomy to states to allow for greater innovation and experimentation to help families who receive government benefits more successfully transition off of welfare programs and into work-based self-reliance.
Key Provisions
This resolution:
- articulates the strength of Utah's economy and nation-leading upward mobility;
- establishes Utah's track record as an innovative leader already showcasing the successes and advantages of state-driven approaches to work and welfare;
- identifies evidence of families in Utah who still struggle to fully realize the American Dream due to perceived or actual disincentives in the social safety net in the form of the "benefits cliff" and "benefits plateau"; and
- urges the federal government to increase flexibility and autonomy to allow states the ability to innovate through experiments and pilots to better transition families off of federally funded safety net programs and into work-based self-reliance.
Plain-Language Summary
AI-generated summary. We recommend consulting the bill text for important decisions.
Utah's Legislature and Governor jointly urge Congress and the President to give states more control over federally funded safety net programs — such as food assistance, Medicaid, and cash assistance — by approving waivers faster, converting more programs to block grants (lump-sum funding states can spend with fewer federal strings attached), and reducing federal reporting requirements. The resolution points to survey research suggesting many Utahns receiving public assistance avoid earning more income out of fear that a raise will cause them to lose benefits worth more than the pay increase — a dynamic known as the "benefits cliff."
Votes
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
Documents
Floor Debates
Committee Hearings
Other Versions
Original
Subjects
Action History37
Governor Signed
Lieutenant Governor's office for filing
Senate/ to Governor
Executive Branch - Governor
Senate/ received enrolled bill from Printing
Senate Secretary
Senate/ enrolled bill to Printing
Senate Secretary
Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
Senate Secretary
Last updated Mar 26, 2026, 9:45 PM