Financial Security Network Newsletter: May 2023
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Spotlight
Shape the Future of the Financial Security Network!
We need your help! The Financial Security Network (FSN) is launching a brand-new initiative: an official Steering Committee. This 12-person committee will serve as direct liaisons between Prosperity Now staff and the field. In addition, they will provide expert insights on tools, resources, and other FSN activities. As trusted advisors, the Steering Committee members raise the profile of their organization and local community on the national stage as well as provide unique perspectives to the happenings in the field.
If this opportunity is right for you or someone in your network, please complete this short application form. This application is a way for you to showcase your unique expertise, experiences, and overall knowledge in the field. The Steering Committee are leaders that have direct and consistent input into the direction of and activities hosted by FSN – so if you want to have your voice heard, please fill out the application. The preliminary deadline is June 30, but don’t delay as we will conduct application reviews on a rolling basis! If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].
Calling all Community Mobilizers: You Still Have Time! Apply to be a Prosperity Now Community Champion Today!
We are excited to announce that the application to become a Prosperity Now Community Champion is still open! Community Champions are committed to working together to advance systemic policy change, advancing racial and ethnic economic justice and have an active leadership and convening role in their state, local or native community. They also have the opportunity to network with peer organizations across the country; develop their leadership, coalition and organizational capacity; elevate their organizational profile; receive local, state and federal advocacy support from national experts and more. We encourage all interested organizations to learn more about the role here before applying via the 2023 Community Champion Application. The deadline to apply is June 9, 2023. If you have any questions along the way, please reach out to LaToya Lowery at [email protected]. Let’s work together to build an economy that is just, fair and free from structural racism!
Resources and Publications
The CDFI Playbook | Prosperity Now
Working with 5 CDFIs, Prosperity Now developed a brand-new playbook to support Black and BIPOC Entrepreneurship. The Playbook is focused on new challenges, opportunities, and tools for CDFIs to provide support for these businesses.
Economics Reimagined: A Discussion on Building a Human Rights Economy | Aspen Institute
This blog post provides a recap and actionable items from a January Aspen Institute panel. This group spoke about the challenges of developing an economy that works for more people rather than solely on profit.
Let’s Celebrate 30 Years of FMLA With Paid Leave for All | Prosperity Now
To celebrate the Family and Medical Leave Act, we need a comprehensive and uniform federal paid leave model that covers all workers.
TANF Provisions in McCarthy Bill Give States Incentives to Take Cash Benefits Away From Families With the Most Significant Needs | Center on Budget & Policy Priorities
A proposed cut in TANF will worsen economic impacts for thousands of children around the country. This analysis examines some of those impacts and what a TANF-cut future may include.
Most Working-Age SNAP Participants Work But Job Instability Overstates Joblessness in Some Analyses | Center on Budget & Priority Priorities
A new analysis of SNAP work-based requirements shows the impact of job instability and lack of clarity on the experiences of SNAP recipients.
In the News
What is CT’s Baby Bonds program? Here’s what to know | CT Mirror
Connecticut’s Baby Bonds program, a first-of-its-kind statewide policy aimed at narrowing the racial wealth gap, was passed in June 2021 but the legislature voted to delay the program’s start date by two years, from July 2, 2021 to July 1, 2023. As of May 2023, the Governor, State Treasurer and other advocates reached a deal to fund the program through a special reserve fund.
Will Artificial Intelligence Be Able to Prepare Our Tax Returns? | Tax Policy Center
With the complexity of tax preparation increasing and AI opportunities expanding, the time is ripe to see if AI will be able to take over tax preparation.
When cash turns cautious: Businesses are staring down a capital crunch | The Business Journal
Even before the failure of Silicon Valley Bank sent shockwaves throughout the banking sector, millions of business owners were bracing for a choppier lending environment in 2023 due to economic uncertainty and elevated interest rates.
Advice from the front lines: Black entrepreneurs share their experiences | Jacksonville Business Journal
Some of Jacksonville’s Black entrepreneurs share what they’ve learned at the sixth annual African-American Small Business Forum.
Upcoming Events & Opportunities
Virtual Event: Improving Racial Equity through Public Policy | Brookings Institution | Thursday, June 8, 2023
In-Person Event: For Every Kid’s Future: Investing Today in Baby Bonds | Prosperity Now | Tuesday, June 13, 2023 | Washington, DC
Virtual Event: Investing in Our Future: Using Economic Well-Being Innovation to Create Systemic Change in Child Care | Asset Funders Network | Monday, June 14, 2023
Save the Date: VITACon 2023 | Prosperity Now | September 6-8, 2023 | Pittsburgh, PA
