Reports and Publications

In addition to the WPFP state partners' reports, the national Project team periodically releases materials on the conditions of low-income working families. WPFP publications also focus on how state and national policies can be strengthened to better assist these families in their pursuit of economic advancement and security. Project materials include a widely recognized national report on the conditions of low-income working families in the U.S. and policy briefs on key issues affecting low-income working families in the states.

National Report

In 2004 and 2008, the Project released a national report assessing both state and national efforts on behalf of low-income workers. The reports present data on the conditions of low-income working families and clearly highlight the major challenges facing America. The reports call for new approaches by state and federal policymakers and increased investments in programs that can lead to economic self-sufficiency for hardworking parents and their families.

• Still Working Hard, Still Falling Short: New Findings on the Challenges Confronting America's Working Families (2008)
• Report website
• Media Coverage of National Report
• Podcast of Brandon Roberts
• Working Hard, Falling Short: America’s Working Families and the Pursuit of Economic Security (2004)

• Media Coverage of National Report

WPFP State Progress

Since 2002, the 25 state-based nonprofit organizations participating in The Working Poor Families Project have helped generate or preserve over $2.5 billion in state investments in low-income working families. In the process, these organizations have brought the concerns of low-income working families into a variety of state policy debates. These impressive accomplishments are detailed in the new report Building a Foundation for Family Economic Success. By describing the Project’s distinctive process of policy change, the report shows how this innovative partnership positions state-based nonprofit organizations to champion investments in working families. Consequently, low-income working families in many states are better able to obtain financial aid, increase their education and skills, access good jobs, and make ends meet.

• Read the Report (pdf)
• View a webcast that explores findings from the new report.

As a result of their involvement in the Project, state nonprofits have helped make substantial improvements in policies and practices around education and training, economic development and work supports to assist low-income working families achieve economic security. Read a previous progress report for an overview of policy accomplishments in the partner states, Strengthening State Policies for Working Families. To see a detailed discussion of state policy efforts, read WPFP State Policy Actions.

WPFP State Policy Academy Presentations

The WPFP holds annual cross-state meetings where partner organizations share and receive information on key state policy issues. These meetings often include specific policy academies that involve an in-depth examination of a particular issue. Below are materials that were developed and presented for these state policy academies. Please note that these presentations were developed and delivered by experts from national organizations that collaborate with the WPFP.

• Paid Leave State Policy Academy (June 2010)
• Strengthening State Data Systems to Improve Outcomes for Low-Income Adults (June 2010)
• Linking Infrastructure and Capital Investments with Jobs and Training (June 2009)
• Economic Development (September 2008)
• Adult Education (June 2007)
• Postsecondary Education (June 2006)