Medicaid, SNAP, unemployment insurance, and dozens of other programs run on data. When that data is incomplete, inconsistent, or skewed, the results are delayed benefits, wrongful denials, and tangible harm to the people who depend on them. Data cleansing and ex parte verification can reduce paperwork and improve accuracy, but only when paired with real human oversight. Pure automation and pure self-attestation both fall short. Investing in reliable data infrastructure is essential to modernization that protects both taxpayers and the people the programs serve. | 
