The notion that hard work will enable Americans to get ahead is a central tenet of the American dream, but families today need more than a paycheck to move up the economic ladder. They need financial assets—cash savings, stocks, bonds, and home and business equity—that enable them to invest in themselves and their children and contribute to a strong and growing economy. Such assets and savings are also key to closing the gaping racial wealth gap in America.

Despite this reality, half of Black and Latino families in America do not have $400 in savings to cover an emergency while still covering their other monthly bills.

The financial security team at PolicyLink works to lift up key programs and policies within five systems to help break the cycle of poverty — tax policy, financial services, justice, healthcare, and education. By reforming each of these systems, we can create and protect opportunities for families of color to climb out of poverty, and walk into prosperity.

The Federal Tax Code

• Building an Equitable Tax Code: A Primer for Advocates
• Making the Connection: Bringing Tax Wonks & Grassroots Activists Together to End Inequality (@ Properitynow.org)
• Tax Alliance for Economic Mobility (@ Tax Alliance for Economic Mobility.org)

The Financial Services Sector 

• Asset Building Policy Network (@ Asset Building Policy Network.org)
• California Asset Building Coalition (@ Cal Asset Buiding Coalition.org)
• Secure Choice auto-IRA program/CalSavers

The Judicial (Justice) System

• Ending the Debt Trap: Strategies to Stop the Abuse of Court-Imposed Fines and Fees

Healthcare Services and Coverage System

• Advisory Board of Campaign to End Medical Debt (@ End Medical Debt.org)

The Public Education System (K-12), and the Higher Education Finance System

• Integrating Family Financial Security into Promise Neighborhoods