Overview

While states have achieved great success in moving families from welfare to work, states are continuing to focus on helping low-income working families achieve long-term stability and well-being. Governors are interested in policy options that will encourage work, reduce poverty and help low-income families achieve greater economic stability. Policies in such areas as welfare reform, workforce development, unemployment insurance, vocational and post-secondary education, health care, child care, transportation, housing and taxes all can play a role in creating a comprehensive approach to assist low-income working families.

Focus of Center Activities

The Center provides technical assistance to states as they design and implement policies and initiatives to support low-income families secure and maintain employment, advance in their careers, and achieve self-sufficiency. The Center writes issue briefs, holds workshops, and organizes conference calls on a variety of issues related to family economic success, including asset development, EITC outreach, and improving access to work supports. The Center also monitors and disseminates information about state policies and initiatives related to welfare reform, workforce development, housing and education that help support working families.

Related Links:

State Initiatives

• Illinois: Governor Blagojevich's All Kids
• Louisiana: Governor Blanco's Summit on Solutions to Poverty Summary Report
• Delaware: Governor Minner's Task Force for Financial Independence
• Pennsylvania: Governor Rendell's Task Force for Working Families
• Kentucky Cradle to College Commission
• State EITC Online Resource Center
• State Policies on Predatory Lending (Center for Responsible Lending)