ALICE ADVOCACY in ACITON

Across Connecticut, 39% of our families are working hard but qualify as Asset Limited, Income, Constrained, Employed (ALICE), living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to afford basic necessities. Imagine a single mom working two jobs but can't afford to put enough food on the table for her children. This is the reality for far too many families in our state, regardless of race or background. We envision a Connecticut where all families have the freedom to thrive, not just survive.

The 2024 state legislative session is over. Thank YOU for helping advance our policy agenda. Together, we sent more than 4,500 messages to our elected officials. We appreciate all the time you took to send an email, make a phone call or testify at a public hearing – it makes a difference.

CT Child Tax Credit was featured in 27+ news stories

Galvanizing a movement for ALICE across every zip code in our state is central to advancing our mission through advocacy. Unfortunately, strict fiscal controls and the unprecedented decision not to adjust the budget made it difficult to pass our policy priorities.

47 legislators co-sponsored 4 bills to establish the CT Child Tax Credit. Nevertheless, we remain the only state with an income tax that doesn’t adjust for the cost of raising children.

Despite the severity of household food insecurity, funding to continue free breakfast statewide was eliminated.

Residents continue to rely heavily on 211 for support, but underinvestment threatens to increase wait times.

Despite these setbacks, ALICE did achieve some important wins this year.

Groundbreaking data sharing agreements to help more than 119,000 young people reconnect with school or work.

Families who qualify for reduced price lunch will continue to receive free lunch next year.

Learn about statewide efforts to help opportunity youth

Increased funding for Care4Kids to make child care more accessible, a lifeline for working parents.

Expanding paid sick leave ensures everyone can care for themselves or their families without financial hardship.

Soon, the Governor and General Assembly will begin developing a new two year budget. That's why we'll start immediately fighting for the systems change necessary for ALICE families to thrive. Together, we can build on this year's momentum and create a brighter future for all.

2024 LEGISLATIVE SESSION RECAP

May 30 | 1:30-2:30pm | Zoom Webinar

Join us for a panel discussion on policies enacted this year and those we will continue to champion. Whether you are an ALICE family or an ally supporting these households, join us to learn about critical issues and advocacy opportunities in our communities.

RSVP

Speakers will include:

Tanya Barrett, Senior Vice President of 211 Connecticut’s Health and Human Services at United Way of Connecticut
Lisa Tepper Bates, President and CEO at United Way of Connecticut
Merrill Gay, Executive Director at CT Early Childhood Alliance
Lucy Nolan, Policy Director at End Hunger CT!
Janée Woods Weber, Executive Director of She Leads Justice

Questions? Ideas?

Contact our Director of Advocacy, Daniel Fitzmaurice, anytime to learn more about our policy agenda and state advocacy strategies.

Daniel.Fitzmaurice@CTUnitedWay.org or 860-249-8788

Share This Email

View as Webpage

VISIT US:

United Way of Connecticut

55 Capital Boulevard, Rocky Hill, CT 06067