Strengthening State Policies for Working Families
Latest Publication from WPFP
Read our latest policy brief, Securing State Commitments to Family Economic Prosperity.
Download the policy brief (pdf)
One in twelve working families lives below the official poverty line and millions more struggle to make ends meet. Some states are taking action to strengthen opportunities for family economic prosperity and security. This policy brief examines recent state poverty initiatives and explores the tools and strategies states are pursuing to improve economic security, including establishing measurable targets for poverty reduction.
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 24 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.
Featured Publication from WPFP State Partner
Read this recent report from The District of Columbia's called; Hometown Prosperity:Increasing Opportunity for DC's Low-Income Working Families
Download the District of Columbia's report
(pdf)
