Strategies for Tough Fiscal Times

Strategies

Stimulus Package Strategies and Resources: A Two-Generation Approach to ARRA

The current economic crisis is impacting children and adults alike, therefore a two-generation approach is necessary in planning for the use of these funds. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) was established to improve employment and the economy, provide relief to low income families, prevent hardship to families facing unemployment or foreclosure, avoid serious state budget cuts, and preserve vital state and local services.  The following resources can be useful to state policymakers in allocating these funds most effectively to support children and their parents.

• Ensuring Children are Healthy and Prepared to Succed in School .   Funding available under ARRA can ensure that all children read at grade level , to expand the supply of  quality early childhood experiences (birth to kindergarten), to connect children with health insurance and medical homes , to ensure children are screened for developmental disabilities and provided appropriate follow up services. How to  use the ARRA funding to:

• Improve and Expand Early Care and Education.    
• Enhance Education .
• Expand Access to Health Care .  

 

• Improving Family Economic Success . ARRA funding can meet the needs of parents by providing health care ,  nutrition , jobs ,  training and education . How to use the ARRA funding to:

• Improve Job Training .
• Expand Tax Relief for Low-Wage Workers 
• Expand Work Support Benefits .