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In order to have a better future, people with lower incomes must have the opportunity to save money and build assets. Poverty Action works to increase access to higher education and opportunities to save and build assets through direct lobbying with state lawmakers, engaging our 5,000 members in grassroots organizing, and bringing the voice of people with lower incomes to the state capitol to share their personal stories with lawmakers.

Building Assets to access the American Dream

In 2005, Poverty Action spearheaded a successful effort to pass a bill to maintain and expand state-matched savings accounts for people with lower incomes, called Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). This savings program was funded with $1 million in the state budget to help families save to buy a home, start a small business or go back to school.

During the 2007 Legislative session, Poverty Action took the lead in securing additional funding for asset building. As a result of our work, the Legislature appropriated $2.8 million in the budget to fund the Individual Development Account (IDA) program, promote the Earned Income Tax Credit and provide credit counseling and debt reduction services, which make it possible for low-income families to keep more of the money they earn.

To learn more about IDAs including eligibility and how to enroll click here

Increasing Access to Higher Education

During the 2007 legislative session, Poverty Action was instrumental in the effort to significantly expanded access to higher education by passing and funding Opportunity Grants. Opportunity Grants provide financial assistance and support services to ensure that people with low incomes can receive a post-secondary education. These funds go beyond just financial aid for tuition to include books, career counseling, childcare and transportation for students at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line.  Opportunity Grants also include partnerships with business and labor, providing students with a direct link to high demand jobs with living wages. 

To learn more about Opportunity Grants including eligibility and how to enroll click here