Increase Household Financial Resources

Family economic success requires income adequate to meet basic needs. For most households, employment is the primary source of income.  Public policy can enhance the ability of parents to earn wages and provide for their children. For workers in low-wage jobs, there is a need for income support through supplementing earnings and targeted benefits programs. 

What Can Policymakers Do?

Employment

• Create jobs
• Improve job training
• Improve transportation options   

Income Support and Targeted Benefits

• Enact or expand a state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
• Expand EITC outreach
• Enact or expand a state child and dependent care credit
• Raise income tax thresholds
• Improve food assistance
• Enhance temporary financial assistance  
• Improve unemployment insurance