Turning Data into Action: Advancing State Policy for ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Families

Turning Data into Action: Advancing State Policy for ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Families

This session explored how children’s learning cannot be separated from the economic realities their families face. Financial stress affects everything from stable housing and childcare to parents’ ability to spend time supporting their children’s development. 

Fortunately, communities across the country are demonstrating that when families are better supported, young children are better positioned to thrive. Moderator John Gomperts, Executive Fellow at the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, reminded participants that “questions of poverty and early school success are bound together,” framing a discussion focused on practical solutions already making a difference.

Ayeola Fortune, Vice President of Impact Programs at United Way Worldwide, described how financial security is deeply connected to children’s success, emphasizing that employment, housing, health, and education are “fundamentally interconnected.” She noted that nearly one-third of working families still struggle to meet their basic needs, underscoring the importance of investing in long-term solutions while addressing immediate challenges.

Kristen Rotz, President of United Way of Pennsylvania, and Dan O’Brien, Family Economic Stability Policy Director at Children First PA, shared how ALICE data helped Pennsylvania’s new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (WPTC) become law. By illustrating the realities facing working families, advocates were able to generate bipartisan support for policies that put more money back into families’ pockets. Looking ahead, they discussed efforts to build on that momentum through proposals like a state child tax credit and strategies to address childcare benefit cliffs.

Claire Reid, Chief Impact Officer at United Way of the Greater Capital Region, and Tershia Ellis, Board Chair of BirthNet, highlighted an innovative guaranteed income initiative supporting expectant and new parents. The program combines monthly cash assistance with doulas, financial coaching, diapers, books, and other community supports. Reid emphasized that providing families with flexible cash allows them to make the best decisions for their own circumstances, while Ellis shared how participants used the additional support to take parental leave, afford childcare, and build lasting connections with one another through the program.

To conclude the session, Catherine Connelly, Director of Research Engagement at United For ALICE®, introduced free data tools and resources that help communities better understand the financial realities facing ALICE households and use that information to inform local policy and action. Connelly lifted up her fellow panelists, stating: 

“They’re doing exactly what we are hoping happens with the data. They’re taking it, working with their community partners to put it into action to create real change for ALICE families and individuals….I’m hoping that some of the listeners on the call today will be able to do the same…”