Family Economic Security

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Family Economic & Food Security

Children live in families, families live in communities, and communities make up our great state—all are dependent upon each other’s success.

With responsible planning today, we can create an economy that reflects our values, ensures good paying jobs for Maine workers, and provides healthy futures for our children.

When our children and families thrive, our communities, and state thrives, which is why it is so it is essential that Maine’s economy offers everyone the opportunity to move in the same direction. Research tells us that child health and well-being improves when a family income increases and family economic security stabilizes, as families face fewer challenges providing for their children’s needs. This is why we work to make sure Maine children and families have access to resources, systems and structures to help Maine families get out, and stay out of poverty.

To protect family economic and food security in Maine, the Maine Children’s Alliance promotes:

  • Access to healthy, nutritious meals,
  • Increasing the number of reliable, good-paying jobs;
  • Improving access to safe and affordable housing; and,
  • Protecting anti-poverty programs with a proven record of success.

Recent Publications About Family Economic Security

Maine Children's Alliance 2020 Legislative and Advocacy Priorities

January 30, 2020:
  • Early Care and Education
  • Health, Safety & Well-Being
  • Family Economic Security
  • Policy Brief

For 25 years, MCA has promoted sound policies and best practices to make sure all Maine children have the resources and opportunity to reach their full potential from birth to adulthood. Our priority issue areas include: Early Care and Education; Health, Safety & Well-being; and Family Economic & Food Security.

Child Poverty in Maine 2020

January 2, 2020:
  • Family Economic Security
  • Issue Brief

Growing up in povertycan dramatically impact a child’s life. Child poverty can adversely affect children across all developmental domains, beginning in early childhood and lasting into adulthood. Living in poverty also increases a child’s risk for poor health, cognitive, social, emotional, and educational outcomes. Adults who grew up in poverty are more likely to earn less, to have chronic health issues, and to struggle to maintain steady, stable employment. This is especially true for adults who spent long periods of their childhood in poverty, or periods of their childhood in deep poverty. Therefore, it is critical to the health and well-being of Maine’s children and to our shared future success, that we work to eradicate child poverty in our state.

Invest in Tomorrow

October 15, 2019:
  • Family Economic Security
  • Web Links

Invest in Tomorrow is an initiative undertaken by Maine organizations, businesses, and individuals to cut Maine's child poverty rate in half over the next ten years as a step toward eradicating child poverty in a generation. 

Annie E. Casey Foundation

October 15, 2019:
  • Early Care and Education
  • Health, Safety & Well-Being
  • Family Economic Security
  • KIDS COUNT®
  • Web Links

The Annie E. Casey Foundation is devoted to developing a brighter future for millions of children at risk of poor educational, economic, social and health outcomes.

Center for Law and Social Policy

October 15, 2019:
  • Family Economic Security
  • Web Links

CLASP is a national, nonpartisan, anti-poverty nonprofit advancing policy solutions for low-income people. We develop practical yet visionary strategies for reducing poverty, promoting economic opportunity, and addressing barriers faced by people of color.

Food Research and Action Center

October 15, 2019:
  • Family Economic Security
  • Web Links

FRAC is the leading national nonprofit organization working to eradicate poverty-related hunger and undernutrition in the United States. 

Maine Equal Justice Partners

October 15, 2019:
  • Family Economic Security
  • Web Links

Maine Equal Justice (MEJ) is a nonprofit legal aid provider working to increase economic security, opportunity, and equity for people in Maine. 

Maine Women's Lobby

October 15, 2019:
  • Early Care and Education
  • Family Economic Security
  • Web Links

For over 40 years, the Maine Women’s Lobby has been an advocate on the issues affecting the lives of Maine women and girls. We work to create a future that is free from violence, free from discrimination, with access to health care, and real economic security.

Maine Together

October 15, 2019:
  • Family Economic Security
  • Web Links

Maine Together is a nonpartisan coalition of Maine organizations that recognizes the vital role federal domestic programs play in supporting Maine’s economy and people. 

Children Living in High-Poverty, Low-Opportunity Neighborhoods

September 24, 2019:
  • Family Economic Security
  • Report

This snapshot shares the latest data — for the nation and each state — on children growing up in high-poverty areas. It also singles out two important factors, geographic location and race and ethnicity, that shape a child’s risk of living in concentrated poverty. The document ends by outlining recommended moves that leaders can take to help families in these communities thrive. 

The State of Child Care in Maine: 2019

August 14, 2019:
  • Family Economic Security
  • Early Care and Education
  • Report

Child care is an essential support for families, allowing parents to work while their children are cared for during this critical period of their development. However, the cost of child care is a significant burden for families—particularly for families with limited financial resources.

Maine Center for Economic Policy

July 8, 2019:
  • Family Economic Security
  • Web Links

Nonpartisan research and policy organization dedicated to improving the economic well-being of low- and moderate-income Mainers. 

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

July 8, 2019:
  • Family Economic Security
  • Web Links

Nonpartisan research and policy institute pursuing federal and state policies designed both to reduce poverty and inequality and to restore fiscal responsibility in equitable and effective ways and help low-income people.

MaineSpark: Connect to your future

July 8, 2019:
  • Family Economic Security

Connect to your future with MaineSpark. Their powerful network of organizations share a common goal: by 2025, 60% of Mainers will hold education and workforce credentials that position Maine and its families for success. No matter what path you choose for your own future, they are here to connect you.

Policy Basics: The Child Tax Credit

April 8, 2019:
  • Family Economic Security
  • Web Links

Enacted in 1997 and expanded with bipartisan support since 2001, the Child Tax Credit (CTC) helps working families offset the cost of raising children. It is worth up to $2,000 per eligible child (under age 17 at the end of the tax year). The CTC also includes a $500 non-refundable credit for families with qualifying non-child dependents.

FullPlates.org

July 3, 2018:
  • Family Economic Security
  • Web Links

With access to reliable, nutritious food, our children are ready to play, learn and grow. MCA works with Full Plates Full Potential to reduce food insecurity and end child hunger. It takes all of us to create healthy, hunger-free kids!

Opening Doors for Young Parents

July 3, 2018:
  • Family Economic Security
  • Report

This report reminds policymakers and child advocates of the barriers that young families face. It examines national and state-level trends — highlighting areas of opportunity and concern — and then shares potential solutions that can help these families thrive.

Investing in our Future: How Maine Can Prepare our Children to Become Tomorrow’s Leaders

September 22, 2017:
  • Family Economic Security
  • Web Links

This report from the Maine Women's Policy Center highlights the experiences of Maine parents who are trying to access early childhood programs or find quality, affordable child care while they work or go to school. It outlines a number of strategies, that when implemented together, have the potential to transform Maine’s early childhood system and lead us into a more prosperous future.

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Maine Children's Alliance

The Maine Children’s Alliance advocates for sound public policies and promotes best practices to improve the lives of all Maine children, youth, and families.
331 State Street, Augusta, Maine 04330 • Phone: (207) 623-1868  • Email: outreach@mekids.org  

© Maine Children's Alliance

Maine Children's Alliance logo

  • About Us
    • Mission & Goals
    • Meet Our Board
    • Meet Our Staff
    • Maine Children's Alliance in the News
  • Priorities
    • Health, Safety & Well-Being
    • Family Economic Security
    • Early Care and Education
    • KIDS COUNT®
    • Maine Child Welfare Action Network
  • Take Action
    • State House Bill Tracking - 132nd Legislature
  • Maine Children's Alliance First Annual Golf Tournament
  • Publications
  • KIDS COUNT® Data Book
  • KIDS COUNT® Data Center
  • Blog
Donate Now