Maximizing Public Investments

Opportunities For Working Families: A Leadership

Forum for State Lawmakers: Monday, June 28, 2010

Running time: 00:10:25

Speakers
Sheri Steisel, NCSL, Washington, D.C. (Use player above to listen to this audio file)
Chauncy Lennon, The Ford Foundation, New York (Click here to listen to this audio file; 00:16:35; requires Quicktime player.)
Elaine Zimmerman, Commission on Children, Connecticut (Click here to listen to this audio file; 00:25:50; requires Quicktime player)
 

Overview

Last year, ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) expanded many of the federal benefits available to working families by, in part, increasing food stamp benefits, expanding the earned income tax credit, and adding $5 billion in funds to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program. How best can states take advantage of these new sources of support? Meeting participants heard about ways that states can make it easier for struggling families to access benefits and maximize federal investments.