U.S. Economic Opportunity / Scaling Solutions for Workers

Scaling Solutions for Workers

Former Initiative
Overview

Economic Stability & Growth

Better economic policy choices can ensure that all low-wage workers in the United States can meet their basic needs and find a path to a better future.

At The Rockefeller Foundation, we invest in organizations seeking to educate policymakers and the public about the importance of EITC and CTC – two of the most effective tools for boosting the incomes of low-wage working families.

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  • 30

    jurisdictions, 29 states, and the District of Columbia have state EITCs

  • 9million

    women of color had their incomes boosted by the federal EITC in 2019

  • 10.6million

    Americans have been lifted above the poverty line by the federal EITC and CTC

Policies that work for working families

Research indicates that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) successfully boost earnings for low-wage workers while generating substantial benefits in health, education, and quality of life. Combined, EITC and CTC have lifted more Americans out of poverty than any program except Social Security.

a woman sitting at a table looking down and writing on a piece of paper.
Our Approach

We continue our support of organizations at the fore of state EITC, having provided grant funding for organizations in six states (WA, IL, NJ, GA, MO, and AR) and through national networks and pooled funds.

Impact Nationwide

In order to extend the outreach into all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and also raise awareness about the impact of the federal EITC/CTC, the Foundation also works with several national organizations. If improvements were made alongside the doubling of the credits at the federal level, it would provide $134 billion in tax relief for 67 million people in five years.

To achieve our policy goals, we’re applying an integrated strategy that includes:

outline of a hand holding a dollar sign in black.Investing in the capacity of policy organizations and coalitions that seek to improve economic stability for workers at both state and national levels

outline of the white house in black.Promoting the use of data to inform legislation and measure impact

outline of a line graph going upwards in black.Leveraging tech-enabled innovation designed to increase access, improve quality, and yield better outcomes

outline of 4 people all connected by a line.Investing in social and behavioral science to understand how policies can lead to economic stability

An exploration of what the Earned Income Tax is, and what it isn’t.
  • It is about a level playing field and giving folks the tools they need to not just stay above water, but build something for the long term for themselves and the next generation.
    Pedro Morillas
    State Campaigns Director Economic Security Project
Milestone Tracking

Our Goals

Raising awareness about the impact of expanding and modernizing proven economic policies like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC).

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  • 4.6million

    workers reached at the state and local levels

  • 67million

    working families impacted at the federal level

  • $134billion

    doubling the current credits will make $134 billion available to America’s workers

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