Michael Tanner
@tanneronpolicy.bsky.social
Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP).
The shutdown driven debate over SNAP (food stamps) brought out an ugly pastiche of stereotypes and tropes about the program and poverty generally. In my latest blog for @FREOPP I look at who really gets benefits. freopp.org/oppblog/the-...
The overlooked beneficiaries of SNAP: rural Americans - FREOPP
As the shutdown crisis appears to wind down, policymakers should abandon prejudicial stereotypes and help Americans who need assistance.
freopp.org
November 11, 2025 at 12:14 PM
The shutdown driven debate over SNAP (food stamps) brought out an ugly pastiche of stereotypes and tropes about the program and poverty generally. In my latest blog for @FREOPP I look at who really gets benefits. freopp.org/oppblog/the-...
My latest research for @FREOPP looks at rural poverty. We tend to think of poverty as an urban problem, but poverty is actually higher and more intractable in rural America. Fixing it will require its own unique agenda.
freopp.org/whitepapers/...
freopp.org/whitepapers/...
The Challenge of Rural Poverty - FREOPP
Rural America is undergoing tremendous economic upheaval, but this turmoil offers policymakers an opportunity to enact real change.
freopp.org
October 28, 2025 at 11:27 AM
My latest research for @FREOPP looks at rural poverty. We tend to think of poverty as an urban problem, but poverty is actually higher and more intractable in rural America. Fixing it will require its own unique agenda.
freopp.org/whitepapers/...
freopp.org/whitepapers/...
I recently joined Mind Body Health & Politics to talk about the collapse of marriage among America’s poor — why it’s deepening inequality, and how we can rebuild opportunity for struggling families.
🎙 Listen here: www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/p/why-marria...
🎙 Listen here: www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/p/why-marria...
Why Marriage Is Failing America's Poor (And Making Inequality Worse)
Economist Michael Tanner reveals why marriage rates are collapsing among the poor while staying stable for the wealthy—and what it means for America's future.
www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org
October 11, 2025 at 11:27 AM
I recently joined Mind Body Health & Politics to talk about the collapse of marriage among America’s poor — why it’s deepening inequality, and how we can rebuild opportunity for struggling families.
🎙 Listen here: www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/p/why-marria...
🎙 Listen here: www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/p/why-marria...
What can a horrible murder in Charlotte tell us about our failure to help the homeless mentally ill? Can we do better? My latest for FREOPP.
freopp.org/a-tragedy-in...
freopp.org/a-tragedy-in...
A tragedy in Charlotte can provide lessons about the homeless mentally ill - Freopp
Policymakers should create paths to mental health treatment—inculding involuntary commitment for severe cases—while protecting due process and respecting personal autonomy
freopp.org
September 17, 2025 at 12:21 PM
What can a horrible murder in Charlotte tell us about our failure to help the homeless mentally ill? Can we do better? My latest for FREOPP.
freopp.org/a-tragedy-in...
freopp.org/a-tragedy-in...
This week the Census Bureau released the latest report on poverty rates. Unsurprisingly, I have thoughts.
freopp.org/oppblog/what...
freopp.org/oppblog/what...
What the new poverty data say and do not say - Freopp
Policymakers need a better way to measure poverty that considers the ability of families to provide for themselves
freopp.org
September 12, 2025 at 11:26 AM
This week the Census Bureau released the latest report on poverty rates. Unsurprisingly, I have thoughts.
freopp.org/oppblog/what...
freopp.org/oppblog/what...
ICYMI yesterday, here is my appearance on CSPAN, discussing homelessness in America. www.c-span.org/program/wash...
Michael Tanner on Efforts to Combat Homelessness
Michael Tanner of the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity talked about efforts to combat homelessness in the U.S.
www.c-span.org
August 1, 2025 at 11:01 AM
ICYMI yesterday, here is my appearance on CSPAN, discussing homelessness in America. www.c-span.org/program/wash...
For my early-rising fans, I will be on CSPAN tomorrow at 8 am to discuss homelessness and mental heath
July 30, 2025 at 3:13 PM
For my early-rising fans, I will be on CSPAN tomorrow at 8 am to discuss homelessness and mental heath
Trump has released a new executive order on homelessness. As usual, I have thoughts. My latest blog for FREOPP. freopp.org/oppblog/a-ba...
A balanced approach to homelessness and mental illness - FREOPP
A recent EO could initiate a policy shift to implement better solutions for chronic social ills
freopp.org
July 29, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Trump has released a new executive order on homelessness. As usual, I have thoughts. My latest blog for FREOPP. freopp.org/oppblog/a-ba...
My latest study for FREOPP looks at marriage a way to reduce poverty. My answer: Yes. No. Maybe. Government efforts to encourage marriage should be limited, carefully designed, and contextualized, but can be a useful tool in fighting poverty. freopp.org/whitepapers/...
Does Marriage Reduce Poverty? - FREOPP
If properly designed and contextualized, efforts to encourage marriage can be important tools in reducing poverty.
freopp.org
June 18, 2025 at 10:52 AM
My latest study for FREOPP looks at marriage a way to reduce poverty. My answer: Yes. No. Maybe. Government efforts to encourage marriage should be limited, carefully designed, and contextualized, but can be a useful tool in fighting poverty. freopp.org/whitepapers/...
Thanks to the leadership of Utah Rep Tom Clancy for his leadership on welfare reform as Utah tackles welfare cliffs. This is an important step to help people escape poverty and become self-sufficient. I write about in my latest blog for FREOPP. freopp.org/oppblog/utah...
Utah tackles welfare cliffs - FREOPP
The Beehive State passed an important reform that will help struggling Utahns escape poverty and dependence
freopp.org
April 9, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Thanks to the leadership of Utah Rep Tom Clancy for his leadership on welfare reform as Utah tackles welfare cliffs. This is an important step to help people escape poverty and become self-sufficient. I write about in my latest blog for FREOPP. freopp.org/oppblog/utah...
As President Trump prepares to unilaterally impose the largest tax hike in US history later today, a reminder that tariffs hurt the poor and low-income workers most. My FREOPP blog from late last month. freopp.org/oppblog/trum...
Trump’s trade war will hurt poor Americans most - FREOPP
Tariffs invariably tax consumers
freopp.org
April 2, 2025 at 11:18 AM
As President Trump prepares to unilaterally impose the largest tax hike in US history later today, a reminder that tariffs hurt the poor and low-income workers most. My FREOPP blog from late last month. freopp.org/oppblog/trum...
ICYMI, my latest blog for @FREOPP looks at the looming trade war and its likely impact on low-income Americans. freopp.org/oppblog/trum...
Trump’s trade war will hurt poor Americans most - FREOPP
Tariffs invariably tax consumers
freopp.org
March 19, 2025 at 11:27 AM
ICYMI, my latest blog for @FREOPP looks at the looming trade war and its likely impact on low-income Americans. freopp.org/oppblog/trum...
There are many, many reasons to oppose tariffs and Trump’s trade war, but one that’s not talked about enough: Tariffs are especially bad for low-income Americans. My latest blog for FREOPP.
freopp.org/oppblog/trum...
freopp.org/oppblog/trum...
Trump’s trade war will hurt poor Americans most - FREOPP
Tariffs invariably tax consumers
freopp.org
March 18, 2025 at 11:17 AM
There are many, many reasons to oppose tariffs and Trump’s trade war, but one that’s not talked about enough: Tariffs are especially bad for low-income Americans. My latest blog for FREOPP.
freopp.org/oppblog/trum...
freopp.org/oppblog/trum...
My column in the Deseret News looking at welfare cliffs. Utah has a chance to lead.
www.deseret.com/opinion/2025...
www.deseret.com/opinion/2025...
Opinion: Utah must lead on welfare reform to address benefits cliffs
www.deseret.com
February 26, 2025 at 12:12 PM
My column in the Deseret News looking at welfare cliffs. Utah has a chance to lead.
www.deseret.com/opinion/2025...
www.deseret.com/opinion/2025...
January is Poverty in America Awareness Month. So how are we doing fighting poverty? The answer is mixed and depends on what we mean by poverty. My latest blog for FREOPP.
freopp.org/oppblog/reth...
freopp.org/oppblog/reth...
Rethinking poverty for National Poverty Awareness Month - FREOPP
The poverty of opportunity requires fundamentally changing how policymakers address the needs of poorer Americans
freopp.org
January 21, 2025 at 1:28 PM
January is Poverty in America Awareness Month. So how are we doing fighting poverty? The answer is mixed and depends on what we mean by poverty. My latest blog for FREOPP.
freopp.org/oppblog/reth...
freopp.org/oppblog/reth...
With Donald Trump about to be sworn in again, I thought I’d re-up this piece from my personal blog. Both Trump supports and skeptics (like me) should chill a bit and see what happens next. tanneronpolicy.com/2024/11/25/w...
What Now?
The election is over and the candidate that I voted for lost. That happens in a democracy (in my case, most of the time). What does this mean for policy and the country going forward? How should we…
tanneronpolicy.com
January 19, 2025 at 12:46 PM
With Donald Trump about to be sworn in again, I thought I’d re-up this piece from my personal blog. Both Trump supports and skeptics (like me) should chill a bit and see what happens next. tanneronpolicy.com/2024/11/25/w...
DOGE has a chance to both make government more efficient AND help those people who need it by tackling our sclerotic welfare system. My latest blog for FREOPP.
freopp.org/oppblog/doge...
freopp.org/oppblog/doge...
DOGE Should Tackle Our Welfare System - FREOPP
The nation’s sclerotic, overly bureaucratic social welfare system fails both taxpayers and the poor it's meant to help
freopp.org
December 23, 2024 at 1:17 PM
DOGE has a chance to both make government more efficient AND help those people who need it by tackling our sclerotic welfare system. My latest blog for FREOPP.
freopp.org/oppblog/doge...
freopp.org/oppblog/doge...
I have some thoughts on dealing with homelessness. From FREOPP’s Freedom & Opportunity conference.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=4xzh...
m.youtube.com/watch?v=4xzh...
Reimagining our Approach to Homelessness at Freedom & Progress 2024
YouTube video by The Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity
m.youtube.com
December 7, 2024 at 12:07 PM
I have some thoughts on dealing with homelessness. From FREOPP’s Freedom & Opportunity conference.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=4xzh...
m.youtube.com/watch?v=4xzh...
The election is over. Trump won. So what now? How should we respond? On my personal blog, I have some thoughts for both sides.
tanneronpolicy.com/2024/11/25/w...
tanneronpolicy.com/2024/11/25/w...
What Now?
The election is over and the candidate that I voted for lost. That happens in a democracy (in my case, most of the time). What does this mean for policy and the country going forward? How should we…
tanneronpolicy.com
November 26, 2024 at 11:59 AM
The election is over. Trump won. So what now? How should we respond? On my personal blog, I have some thoughts for both sides.
tanneronpolicy.com/2024/11/25/w...
tanneronpolicy.com/2024/11/25/w...
Given the migration to this site, I should reintroduce myself. i am currently a senior fellow at the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP), specializing in poverty and social welfare issues. For a better idea of my ideological beliefs, see. tanneronpolicy.com/2024/05/19/w...
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What I Believe
The last few years have left me increasingly politically homeless. The Republican party has abandoned any pretense of free markets or fiscally responsible economics, while ratcheting up populist de…
tanneronpolicy.com
November 15, 2024 at 12:29 PM
Given the migration to this site, I should reintroduce myself. i am currently a senior fellow at the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP), specializing in poverty and social welfare issues. For a better idea of my ideological beliefs, see. tanneronpolicy.com/2024/05/19/w...
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.
Election 2024: how will I vote and why? On my personal blog, I explain.
tanneronpolicy.com/2024/10/15/m...
tanneronpolicy.com/2024/10/15/m...
My Vote 2024
Less than three weeks until election day. Pundits like to describe every election as “the most important in our lifetime.” This one may actually come close to meeting that criterion. …
tanneronpolicy.com
October 16, 2024 at 11:21 AM
Election 2024: how will I vote and why? On my personal blog, I explain.
tanneronpolicy.com/2024/10/15/m...
tanneronpolicy.com/2024/10/15/m...
The latest research suggests class is slowly overtaking race as a determinant of economic mobility. Racial disparities remain and must be addressed but we also need to be concerned with deteriorating conditions for poor whites. My latest blog for FREOPP freopp.org/oppblog/bad-...
Bad news on race, class, and social mobility - FREOPP
Although the black-white income gap is shrinking among low-income Americans, disparities persist across several metrics
freopp.org
August 29, 2024 at 11:01 AM
The latest research suggests class is slowly overtaking race as a determinant of economic mobility. Racial disparities remain and must be addressed but we also need to be concerned with deteriorating conditions for poor whites. My latest blog for FREOPP freopp.org/oppblog/bad-...
The structure of welfare can trap families in poverty and dependence. Those who work and try to become self-sufficient can face marginal tax rates if 100% or more. In my latest study for FREOPP I look at welfare cliffs and how to fix them.
freopp.org/whitepapers/...
freopp.org/whitepapers/...
Fixing the Broken Incentives in the U.S. Welfare System - FREOPP
Most policymakers do not want social welfare programs to reduce work. Unfortunately, that is precisely what happens when recipients face so-called “benefit cliffs.”
freopp.org
August 20, 2024 at 1:04 PM
The structure of welfare can trap families in poverty and dependence. Those who work and try to become self-sufficient can face marginal tax rates if 100% or more. In my latest study for FREOPP I look at welfare cliffs and how to fix them.
freopp.org/whitepapers/...
freopp.org/whitepapers/...
Tariffs and trade protectionism harms the poorest among us. So why do both Trump and Biden support them? My latest blog for FREOPP.
blog.freopp.org/trump-and-bi...
blog.freopp.org/trump-and-bi...
Trump and Biden trade policies would hurt poorest Americans
One of their few areas of agreement is a policy that will almost certainly harm those who can least afford it.
blog.freopp.org
July 16, 2024 at 11:21 AM
Tariffs and trade protectionism harms the poorest among us. So why do both Trump and Biden support them? My latest blog for FREOPP.
blog.freopp.org/trump-and-bi...
blog.freopp.org/trump-and-bi...
If Kamala replaces Biden on the Democratic ticket, what will that mean for policies impacting the poor? In a blog today for FREOPP, I look at her record. blog.freopp.org/kamala-harri...
Kamala Harris on poverty and welfare
A hypothetical President Harris seems likely to do little more than double down on upholding the Biden administration’s policies.
blog.freopp.org
July 8, 2024 at 4:21 PM
If Kamala replaces Biden on the Democratic ticket, what will that mean for policies impacting the poor? In a blog today for FREOPP, I look at her record. blog.freopp.org/kamala-harri...