Dear John,

April offers us a chance to mark not one but two commemorations – National Financial Capability Month and Fair Housing Month! I’m reflecting on why we at Prosperity Now celebrate and amplify these two important topics and the answer is clear. In order to create an economy that works for everyone, each of us needs to be able to control our financial lives and have a roof over our heads. You know the challenges we’re up against – far too many people, especially people of color, have been excluded and precluded from building economic power to get to this reality for far too long. Day in and day out, we’re working to dismantle the racist systems and structures that keep the status quo.

Today, I want to share an opportunity for us to drive change together by inviting you to join our #BuildBackForJustice campaign. Our #BuildBackForJustice campaign aims to urge Congress to pass a federal spending package that makes the key investments that get us closer to racial economic justice – and we’re making noise leading up to our Day of Action happening this coming Monday, April 25. Look out for a toolkit from us tomorrow. I’m continually grateful for our continued partnership to reimagine an economy where every person, family, and community has the power to build sustainable wealth and prosperity.

Chicago Sun Times: Illinois lawmakers should pass a state child tax credit, Joanna A. Ain, Associate Director of Policy

Morningstar: What They are Saying: Allies Praise Biden-Harris Administration expansion of SBA's Community Advantage Pilot Program Targeting Access to Capital for Underserved Entrepreneurs, Gary Cunningham, President and CEO

Washington Monthly: Would You Trust a Used Car Dealer With Your Tax Refund?

Harlem World: Prosperity Now Responds to Administration’s FY23 Budget, Gary Cunningham, President and CEO

The Washington Post: Baby bonds? Reparations? There’s no quick fix for racial wealth gap

Don’t forget to join dozens of your peer organizations for our #BuildBackForJustice campaign!

An Interview with Douglas Griesenauer of United Way Suncoast

As our country looks toward economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, financial stability remains a persistent issue facing millions of families. Rent increases and the rising cost of living has priced millions of families out of housing, and the path to homeownership is increasingly difficult for families of color. Individuals are still experiencing barriers to employment with a living wage, and nonprofit organizations are trying to meet the demand of low-income clients virtually and in person. Additionally, April happens to be both Financial Capability and Fair Housing Month. To discuss how we can increase financial stability, including affordable housing, and craft more equitable solutions, we spoke with Doug Griesenauer, Director of Workforce Development and Financial Stability at United Way Suncoast and a member of Prosperity Now’s Community Steering Committee. Read More.

Centering Black Women in Our Economic Recovery | The Aspen Institute
A new piece from the Aspen Institute discusses how the economic barriers that impact Black women and many other women of color have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Advancing Gender and Racial Equity by Taxing Wealth | National Women’s Law Center
A new report released as part of NWLC’s Tax the Patriarchy campaign highlights how we can tax the wealthy more fairly, so the tax code works better for women and people of color. 

The Real Rental Housing Crisis Is on the Horizon | The Urban Institute
An article from the Urban Institute explains how the economic conditions intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic have laid the foundation for a future rental crisis.

Rethinking Homeownership Incentives to Improve Household Financial Security and Shrink the Racial Wealth Gap | The Brookings Institute 
A new report from The Brookings Institute addresses the limitations of homeownership incentives and the need to explore more strategies for improving housing, financial security and increasing overall wealth for Black and Latino households.

A Once Radical Idea to Close the Wealth Gap Is Actually Happening | Bloomberg
A recent piece from Bloomberg Businessweek explores Professor Darrick Hamilton’s proposal for nationwide Baby Bonds legislation that could help close the racial wealth gap. 

How Black Families Can Save Money Claiming Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit | Center for Law and Social Policy
A new article from the Center for Law and Social Policy discusses how Black and Latino families could benefit from taking advantage of the earned income and child tax credits.

Historic Unemployment Programs Provided Vital Support to Workers and the Economy During Pandemic, Offer Roadmap for Future Reform | Center for Budget and Policy Priorities
A report from the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities addresses the impact of temporary unemployment benefits passed by Congress in 2020 and measures that provided additional income for millions of families.

Wealth, Financial Health, and the State of Native Asset Building Field | The Aspen Institute| April 27, 2022

Designing Responsive Programs: Guaranteed Income | Prosperity Now | April 27, 2022

2022 Tax Season Debrief | Prosperity Now | May 5, 2022

State of the Field: Children's Savings Accounts | Prosperity Now| May 17, 2022

2022 Prosperity Now Summit | Prosperity Now| August 19-21, 2022