10% Poverty Rate and 14% Child Poverty Rate in MA according to the Federal Poverty Line
If you include those that are "near poor" (up to twice the Federal Poverty Rate): 22% "Near Poor" and 27% Children "Near Poor" in MA
The EITC and the Child Tax Credit CTC (VITA sites provide access) have kept 150,000 people out of poverty in MA by helping them to bridge the wage gap.
44% of Americans
cannot cover a $400 unexpected expense.
Our 1.4 M children in MA will thrive when they are healthy, receive a great education, parents/caretakers have well-paying jobs and they live in flourishing communities.
1 in 10 households in MA are "Food Insecure". Children can't learn and develop when they are hungry.
Head Start served more than 15,000 children last year - which is only 29% of income eligible 3-5 year olds - not only providing a safe and stable learning environment but also access to other services critical to health and well being of the whole family.
The state support and funding for policies and programs that create opportunity is critical. We are advocating for policies that strengthen families, bridge the wage gap, create economic opportunity and strengthen the human services infrastructure.
We thank both the House and the Senate for their hard work in the FY20 budget process and the inclusion of so many important resources. We hope to see the following essential line items in your final conference report.
Bridging the Wage Gap
Increase Resources for Free Tax Prep for Low-Income Wage Earners through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program Sites (1201-0100) - We thank the Senate for including $200,000 in 1201-0100.
Strengthening Families through Affordable & Accessible Early Education and Care
Increase Child Care Resource Referral Access Management in Early Education Program (3000-2000) - We thank the Senate for including $10.1M.
Increase resources for Early Educators Salaries (3000-1042) - We thank the House of Representatives for including $20M.
Increase resources for HeadStart (3000-5000) - We thank both House and Senate for including in budget. We ask for support of the Senate allocation of $12M.
Creating a Foundation for Economic Opportunity
Support Services for Unaccompanied Youth Housing and Wraparound Services (4000-0007) - We thank both House and Senate for including in budget. We ask for support of the Senate allocation of $5M.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Early Education & Care Changes Lives
Thanks to the help of
Early HeadStart (EHS) program at
Lynn Economic Opportunity Inc. (LEO), Victory is now walking, jumping, eating all his foods and learning. After being diagnosed with Global Developmental Delays, Victory entered the program at two years old only able to crawl and eat pureed foods. He had no words. The EHS team worked intensely with his family and an early intervention team. A year later, Victory is a happy guy, laughing and bright, singing his ABCs, counting to 20 and reciting Nursery Rhymes. He will be ready for public school.
CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION
We urge you to support the FY20 priorities so that together we can move forward on the road to opportunity. Visit our Public Policy Priorities page for more information.
COMMUNITY ACTION IN MA
Our Mission
To strengthen and connect the statewide network of Community Action Agencies and collectively advocate for an end to poverty.
Our Vision
All MA residents will be able to meet their basic needs, access economic opportunities, build strong communities and move toward prosperity...
Find your Agency
There are 23 Community Action Agencies in Massachusetts serving virtually every city and town in the state. To locate the agency in your area and learn more about the programs they offer, click here.
