From the Urban Institute, this article reviews State tax policy in times of recession. Often times, tax increases carries a higher tax burden for low-income working families. However, low-income families can be protected from increases through…

Since the inception of the Federal EITC, a rising number of States have provided their own State EITCs for working families. States that enact EITCs can reduce child poverty, increase effective wages, and cut taxes for low-income working families…

This issue brief aims to discuss predatory lending and the effects that this practice has on the financial wellbeing of children and families. Authors review how local communities can take action against predatory lending toward vulnerable…

From the Urban Institute, this report reviews the state of financial literacy and education programs in the US. Authors offer their perspectives on the content of current financial education programs and offer implications for the future of…

This research brief discusses the importance of work supports for low-wage earners to maintain and advance in the job market. The National Assembly's Family Strengthening Policy Center outlines the work-plus approach to support workers in the…

From the Urban Institute, this fact sheet reviews various work supports available to low-income families since the 1996 PRWORA. Although work supports were significantly expanded, they still fall short in providing families enough to promote…

From the Housing Assistance Council, this article reviews strategies for improving conditions for low-income families in rural areas through Individual Development Account Programs. IDAs have been proven to help low-income families save money to…

From the Center for Social Development, this policy brief offers ideas on how IDAs and WIA can collaborate in increase access to education and training. Adults with a high school education earn on average $26,332, compared to $32,154 for…

The US savings rate decreased from 10.8 percent in 1984 to 0 percent in 2005, according to the Urban Institute. Additionally, the bottom quarter of the population by income has a negative net worth. This article reviews strategies to boost the…

This article, through the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, reviews the impact of state run Earned Income Tax Credit programs. Currently, the federal EITC lifts more than 4 million people out of poverty a year, and a state EITC can also…