Increase the skills and education level of American workers: the 6 year stipend
Mediocre skills are the single biggest predictor of low-income for adults 25 and over. Provide an education and training stipend for all adults18-70. I’d suggest about $1000/month for up to 6 years total, taken as requested and with participation requirements. The stipend would replace federal grants, like Pell and SEOG. State grants and scholarships would still be available. The stipend could be used for ESL, adult basic education, pre-vocational training, vocational training, modular training, college, etc. What is lost in taxation to pay for the benefit would be gained by bigger GDP, higher productivity, and a smaller budget for safety net recipients.
Provide up to three years of free child care for every child
Next to age and education/skill level, single parenthood is the biggest predictor of poverty and low wages. Single mothers do not have enough time and energy to increase their skill levels or work more than they do if they cannot afford childcare. They could utilize the adult training/education stipend concurrent with having their child in childcare. State-provided childcare could also be an important source of nutrition for young children, as well as a refuge from chaotic, stressful home situations – both of which are essential for healthy brain and psychological development - and essential for equal opportunity.