Friday, January 11, 2019
The
2019 state legislative session is now in full swing! Institute staff have already been
hard at work meeting with lawmakers, analyzing bills, engaging coalition
partners, and testifying on a bill to reduce penalties to reinstate driver’s licenses. Now more than ever, we need your support in
pursuing policies that set Hoosier families on a path to prosperity.
Throughout
the remainder of session, we will be releasing a weekly blog, Inside the
Statehouse, to update you on our efforts - and we will include big and small ways
you can advocate for change this session. Our aim is
to provide you with both the analysis and the timing to most effectively
get legislative proposals that affect our fellow Hoosiers' ability
to thrive across the finish line.
Your voice matters. Although
unemployment is relatively low, too many Hoosiers still struggle to afford the basics
such as adequate housing, transportation, and childcare. These problems are
compounded by the fact that inequality is rising and Indiana is falling behind
in measures of well-being. If we wish to reverse the
negative direction of the Status of Working Families, we must work together by
asking our legislators to support sound policy.
This year, we have identified five key policy items that will put more Hoosiers on track to achieve self-sufficiency and prosperity: stop predatory
lending, unlock early education, transform TANF, improve job quality, and
increasing earnings. While these items will remain at the forefront of our
work, we will also keep you apprised of policy efforts – both positive and
negative – that affect working families' financial well-being.
Inside the Statehouse will summarize the week’s
legislative actions regarding our 2019 policy agenda. We will also send action
alerts at key points in the legislative process. These alerts will inform you of the bill number,
its potential consequences, and the actions that we can take to ensure that policymakers prioritize working families.
In
addition to our policy agenda, the Institute for Working Families continues to
monitor and work on legislation affecting Hoosier families including, but not
limited to:
· state budget and tax policy
· adult education and workforce development
· strong social safety nets
· asset development and consumer protections
· early education and childcare
· job quality including paid leave
· family-sustaining wages
As
the 2019 legislative session kicks into high gear, it is important that we work
together to fight for working families. If you have personal experiences
with the issues we are tackling, or if there are other issues that matter to you, we urge you to take action. Let's make 2019 a winning year for Indiana's working families!
Did you know you can also follow our progress by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter? And if you know someone who should be receiving this email please forward it along
or share it with them on Facebook.
If you would like to
support our work at the Statehouse and ensure that working families continue to
have voice at the Statehouse, we
welcome donations.
