Strengthening State Policies for Working Families


Latest Publication from WPFP

 

Policy Brief"Economics and Politics of Work-Family Policy: The Case for a State Family Leave Insurance Program "

In today’s precarious economic climate, most parents need to work to sustain a family household budget. Yet many working families struggle to balance the needs at work and home, particularly in meeting caregiving responsibilities. Many states have begun considering laws that allow families to better care for themselves without fear of losing pay, or their jobs. At the state and national levels, lawmakers are increasingly implementing policies that address family and medical leave, paid sick days, family leave insurance, and temporary disability insurance programs. This policy brief focuses on family leave insurance, encompassing the opportunities and challenges for state advocates working toward this policy that supports working families.
Read the Policy Brief (pdf)

Statement of Principles"Principles for State Implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act"

The Working Poor Families Project, in collaboration with 21 national nonprofit groups, calls on America's governors and state legislators to follow seven Principles when implementing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These Principles will ensure that stimulus money sparks economic recovery, renews opportunity and rebuilds security for working families, particularly those most in need. All funds should be spent openly, efficiently, and with accountability.

Millions of American breadwinners work hard to support their families. But, despite their determination and effort, many are mired in low-wage jobs that provide inadequate benefits and offer little opportunity for advancement and economic security. Compounding the problem are public policies that do not adequately prepare workers to advance to higher-skilled, higher-paying jobs or promote the creation of quality jobs. The future for these working families is laden with challenges.

The Working Poor Families Project (WPFP) was launched in 2002 by national philanthropic leaders who saw the need to strengthen state policies affecting these working families. The national initiative is now supported by the Annie E. Casey, Ford, Joyce and Mott foundations. The WPFP focuses on the states because many of their policies and investments critically affect the lives of working families.

The WPFP began work in five states and after six years is now active in 25 states and the District of Columbia. In each state the WPFP partners with one or more nonprofit organizations to strengthen state policies to better prepare America’s working families for a more secure economic future.

Read the latest national report from WPFP


Featured Publication from WPFP State Partner

Report cover Read this recent report from Seattle Jobs Initiative:
Charting a Path: An Exploration of the Statewide Career Pathway Efforts in Arkansas, Kentucky, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin (June 2009)

Download the report (pdf)