ROAD TO OPPORTUNITY:  FINDING THE WAY FORWARD
July 30, 2018
DID YOU KNOW: MA Facts
  • Most low-income families (2/3 of those in poverty) include a working adult.
  • For those not working, 3 out of 5 have small children at home or the adult has a disability.
  • While productivity has increased significantly since the mid 1970's, wages have remained stagnant, especially for low and middle income workers. 
For more information and to access the data, read our report "Obstacles on the Road to Opportunity: Finding a Way Forward" published in May 2018.
POLICY MATTERS: Earned Income Tax Credit Increase
money_piggybank_money.jpg MA will increase the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to 30% of the federal tax credit in the FY19 budget.  This will mean a significant increase in tax credit for those eligible (from approximately $1,500 to $2,000). The EITC is considered one of the most effective anti-poverty programs.  Research shows that it improves health, boosts academic performance, increases earning potential for future generations and increases Social Security benefits. Read more from  MassBudget and Healthy Families Coalition.   MASSCAP and Community Action Agencies are a part of the Healthy Families Coalition and help people access the EITC through our  Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Programs.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Adult Ed & Workforce Development Programs
Education and training is essential to ensure that more adults are employed.  Stronger connections to industry and employers will ensure training is targeted toward employer needs.  Quincy Community Action Programs (QCAP) gives adults the chance to get back to school with HISET programs as well as prepare for the workforce through Career Pathways and Business Skills classes.  They have a Financial REACH center that has one-on-one financial and career placement counseling available.  Find out more: next QCAP Q&A, August 17
CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION 
Together with Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC), we will hold our next forum focused on the findings of the report, Obstacles on the Road to Opportunity: Finding a Way Forward, on October 5 at 7:30 a.m. at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.   Click here for more information and to register.

Together with Community Action of Pioneer Valley, Springfield Partners for Community Action and Valley Opportunity Council, we will hold the next in the series of forums in Springfield on October 26.  Stay tuned 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 .

Read our 2017 Annual Report
                                              #End PovertyMA