The State of Michigan’s Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity released its 2021 Poverty Task Force Report, which outlines more than 30 policy recommendations to strengthen anti-poverty initiatives throughout Michigan. The Poverty Task Force is a coalition of various state departments and community-based organizations, including NLIHC state partner Community Economic Development Association of Michigan. Several of the recommendations outlined in the report focused on housing, community development and economic inclusion.
Some of these policy recommendations include:
- Adopting a TANF Shelter Stipend for families who are not in subsidized housing
- Expanding Housing Choice Vouchers to help lower incarcerations recidivism rates
- Establishing Community Land Trusts to increase homeownership for low-to moderate-income individuals and families
- Fully funding the Michigan’s Housing and Community Development Fund
- Establishing a “Coordinated Strategy to Address the Digital Divide”
- Supporting children’s savings accounts
- Increasing Michigan’s Earned Income Tax Credit
The Poverty Task Force divided its work into four areas: creating and strengthening safety nets; targeting children’s programs; addressing structural barriers; and creating durable pathways to jobs. The Task Force’s organizing principles focused on reducing the state’s “asset limited income constrained employed” (ALICE) population, leveraging broad representation, and focusing on racial equity.
The Poverty Task Force will use these recommendations as a platform for conversations with stakeholders both within and outside of state government about building the state’s commitment to focus on anti-poverty policymaking.
Read the full report here.