Far too many hard-working families still struggle to provide for their basic needs and lack access to the economic opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-changing world. In response, United Way is establishing, new, bold ten-year goals to improve the health, education and financial stability of the communities we serve. At United Way, we are committed to 5 million people getting better jobs, 95 percent of students graduating high school ready for college and career, and 90 percent of people being healthier. This Agenda for the 116th Congress outlines our policy priorities to advance these goals.
-Mary B. Sellers, President, U.S. Network, United Way Worldwide
health priorities
To ensure 90% of Americans are healthier by 2028, United Way will fight for:
- Improving and expanding access to healthcare coverage for children and adults
- Increasing resources for behavioral health services for children and adults
education priorities
To ensure that 95 percent of students graduate high school ready for college and a career and 5 million people get better jobs, United Way will fight for:
- Increase access to high quality early care and education opportunities, especially for low-income children and their families.
- Support the funding and effective implementation of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
- Expand opportunities for students to obtain a post-secondary credential.
financial stability priorities
To ensure 5 million Americans are financially stable and have better paying jobs by 2028, United Way will fight for:
- Strengthen workforce development programs and expand job training and work-based learning.
- Protect and expand the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and increase access to the tax credits through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance grant program.
- Strengthen SNAP, Child Nutrition Programs, and other nutrition-related income supports.
- Support policies to improve the nation’s affordable and emergency housing options and supports.
community strengthening priorities
To ensure our communities remain strong, United Way will fight for policy initiatives that:
- Protect and Expand Charitable Giving Incentives.
- Strengthen and Expand 2-1-1.
- Protect and Expand National Service Programs.
- Expand and strengthen programs that prevent human trafficking, punish offenders and support survivors.
- Advocate for Policies and Regulations that Support Nonprofits.