The social safety net is only effective if people can access it easily and when they need it. Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, an estimated $65 billion in safety net benefits went unused by families each year that needed them in the United States. Covid-19 and its resulting disruptions have tested the capacity of states to administer the safety net like never before. As unemployment surged to a peak of 13% in 2020, there was a big influx of Americans needing government assistance to feed their families and pay their bills. As social services offices were forced to close because of the pandemic, digital tools became even more critical in providing much needed social services to millions of Americans.
Participants
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Kevin O’Neil Managing Director Kevin O’Neil is Managing Director of Data and Technology at The Rockefeller Foundation, where he leads the Foundation’s work on digital public goods, government use of technology, and frontier topics. Kevin previously led a Rockefeller Foundation team that researched and developed new Foundation initiatives and provided evidence for major strategic decisions across the Foundation’s portfolio. […] -
Trooper Sanders CEO, Benefits Data Trust Trooper Sanders is CEO of Benefits Data Trust, a nonprofit that uses data, technology, policy change and direct service to help people tap the more than $60 billion in unclaimed benefits that support critical needs such as food security and health care. Trooper brings over 20 years of experience working at the crossroads of business, […] -
Robert Gordon Director, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Robert Gordon serves as the director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, where he oversees Medicaid programs, Children’s Protective Services, food assistance, public health and many other statewide health and human services programs. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed him to the position effective Jan. 14, 2019. Director Gordon has a distinguished career in […] -
Janette Fong Product Lead, US Digital Response Janette sits on the Leadership team at the United States Digital Response (USDR), a nonprofit that helps governments and other nonprofits deliver responsive, people-centered services with modern and resilient technology. Janette leads the Projects Team, a volunteer-driven team responsible for delivering services to and in partnership with government and non-profit agencies, by developing new tools […]
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