Fred Payne: How I Will Celebrate Labor Day
As we celebrate America’s workers and their achievements this Labor Day, I’m reminded of the current reality of parallel storylines about our country’s workforce.
While inflation is cooling, unemployment is low and wages have grown, 39% of households in our Hoosier state are still either living in poverty or are just above the line to be considered ALICE – an acronym that stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed.
ALICE workers were our heroes during the pandemic. Despite the risks, they kept businesses open and delivered essential services in their communities. Even with a modest rise in wages, these families still do not earn enough to cover the soaring costs of housing, food, healthcare, childcare, transportation and a smartphone – the essentials needed in today’s modern economy.
United Way of Central Indiana is showing up for households in poverty and ALICE by investing in community organizations who serve our neighbors in need every day. But for the long haul, we are using our collective power to advocate for policies at the government level – policies that can have a lasting effect on tens of thousands of individuals and families in our region.
For example, just this past year, our Public Policy team successfully advocated for:
The increase of eligibility for On My Way Pre-k, the state’s early childhood education program for low-income families. Now with an increased income threshold, thousands more four-year-olds can benefit from high-quality early learning which will better prepare them for success in school.
The increase of eligibility and cash benefits for families who receive TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). Alongside the Indiana Human Services Coalition and the Indiana Community Action Poverty Institute, United Way was proud to see this benefit increase for the first time in 35 years.
The automatic enrollment of eligible students to the 21st Century Scholars program. In one simple policy change, access and affordability of a college education was vastly expanded for Hoosier students and their families. As we all know, a better education can ensure a brighter employment future.
Thanks to our donors, volunteers and advocates, we can celebrate those wins for our Hoosier families. With more supporters on our side, I know we have many more wins ahead of us.
If we are united in purpose for our essential workers and families in need, we can write a new storyline that puts financial stability and economic mobility in reach for every household, improving life for all in our state.
That’s how I will celebrate America’s workers on this Labor Day, and I hope you will too.