The Public Policy program provides a unique complement to Southern Good Faith Fund's direct service programs, enabling a broader, more systemic impact on improving the incomes and assets of working families by changing public policy to support these goals.
The Public Policy program conducts research and applies the knowledge and experience of other Southern Good Faith Fund programs to develop and advocate for public policy change that:
- Enables asset development among working families.
- Supports affordable housing and community development.
- Improves workforce development—including quality education and training—to prepare people for successful employment.
- Promotes work supports such as access to quality child care, minimum wages, and fair taxes.
This strategy embodies a passionate interest in helping working Arkansans and Arkansas achieve greater economic and social prosperity.
Education and Training
To expand access to education and training opportunities, Southern Good Faith Fund focuses on state and federal policy change related to adult education, workforce education, and higher education, including federal statutes such as the Higher Education Act, the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act, and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
Developing Jobs and Supporting Work
In Arkansas, 35 percent of jobs are in occupations with pay below the poverty level. Beyond access to good jobs, many adults need additional support to continue working and climb the career ladder.
Building Assets
Finally, recognizing that assets are as critical as income to escaping poverty, SGFF focuses on policy change that enables families to build assets. This work involves creating access to affordable basic financial services and new asset building opportunities, such as IDAs and college savings accounts. It also involves curbing or eliminating abusive financial service practices, such as predatory lending including payday loans.
View our public policy:
News releases
Media coverage
Reports
Successes
Partnerships
