VULNERABLE FAMILIES: PLATFORM PLANKS FOR DEMOCRATS

Alice K. Wolf

48 Huron Avenue Cambridge, MA 02138 Phone (617) 868 - 9653 E-mail Alicekwolf@gmail.com www.alicewolf.org

MA Democratic platform hearing – Cambridge –April 6 2013

PROPOSED PLATFORM PLANKS RELATED TO LOW-INCOME, AT RISK FAMILIES

Supporting the lives of low-income families at risk through appropriate financial support and by providing assistance to exit this status is basic to Democratic values. This is an imperative for humane reasons and also ultimately impacts the economic future of the Commonwealth. This is especially true regarding the manner in which State policy impacts poor children.

1.    Improve the economic stability of low-income households by recognizing the enormous loss in buying power of welfare grants over the last 25 years and increasing those grants; supporting increased education and training and transportation assistance for those able potentially to move from welfare to work; and providing adequate staffing and technology to improve the TAFDC system.

2.    Move more rapidly toward the goal of a permanent roof over the heads of families who are now homeless, while maintaining the fall back of homeless shelters for families including those who are at imminent risk of having to stay in places not meant for human habitation.

3.    Recognizing that research now shows that the early years are critical in successful education for all children, but especially those who have some of the risk factors of poverty, instability or trauma in family life, or disabilities, assure that high quality, early education and care opportunities are available for all children who are at risk.