Our Policy Initiatives
ACT supports policies that move families from poverty to prosperity. By investing in basic needs, early care and education, financial education, asset building, work supports, job skills and training, universal health care, and equitable tax policy, Connecticut can build a vibrant workforce, a thriving economy, and strong families.
For more information contact Merrill Gay, Chief Public Policy Officer, at mgay@act-ct.org or 860-951-2212 x239.
Early Care & Education
ACT is committed to the development of an early care and education system that is inclusive of multiple child care options to meet the needs of children and families. Therefore, we engage family and center-based child care providers, with intentional focus on having representation of publicly and privately funded child care providers at the table.
We advocate for increased investments in Connecticut’s child care subsidy program, Care 4 Kids, to promote family economic stability and children thriving in quality early care environments.
Family Economic Success
In order for families to move on a path toward economic security, they must have access to basic needs like food, housing, child care, and health care. The Earned Income Tax Credit greatly increases the ability of low-wage workers to provide for their family. Affordable, quality early care and education puts children on the path to succeed. Financial education gives people the tools to budget, plan, and build assets. Access to affordable workforce training enables individuals to move up the career ladder and increase their income. Finally, an equitable tax policy will ensure that Connecticut has strong families, a vibrant workforce, and a thriving economy.
All of these policies and practices, when put together, build a strong foundation for Connecticut’s children and families. ACT advocates for policy change on many of these fronts.
Workforce Education
Connecticut’s economy rests on the talents and abilities of its workforce. A competitive economy requires a highly educated and skilled workforce. Middle-skill jobs—those requiring an associate’s degree or work-related certification—also keep the economy going.
To lead more Connecticut families to self-sufficiency while providing business with the workforce it needs, Connecticut education administrators and policymakers must ensure that the state’s education system is the strongest it can be--from basic skills development all the way through college.