Anti Poverty Network

A BLUEPRINT TO REDUCE POVERTY IN NEW JERSEY

Provide an effective safety net for all individuals and families.

A. Rebuild the cash assistance safety net for low-incomes families and individuals to (1) provide assistance at levels which correspond to the actual cost of living in New Jersey, (2) provide necessary emergency housing and related assistance, and (3) provide other effective support services.

B. Implement needed reforms in the system of child support enforcement, including expediting child support establishment improving methods of locating absent parents.

C. Implement a state child support assurance program to guarantee minimum monthly support payments.

D. Develop additional services and supports for people with disabilities and their families in the least restrictive setting appropriate to their needs, maximize federal Medicaid revenues, and use federal waivers and demonstration authority to support and augment similar state initiatives.

E. Reform the child welfare system by effectively implementing the Child Welfare Reform Plan and providing necessary assistance to alleviate poverty.

F. Reduce hunger by full implementation of the school breakfast program and the New Jersey Hunger Prevention Act, and by creating a new $10 million line item to fund emergency food providers.

G. Improve outreach and accessibility in the Food Stamp program.

H. Amend the state Standard of Need to reflect the true cost of living.

I. Encourage asset development and savings by allowing workers to deposit EITC refunds into matched savings accounts. Create revolving fund or similar mechanism funded by state dollars to assure funds will be available to match IDAs for all low-income families who open accounts. Allow savings to be used for necessary major purchases, such as a car to provide basic transportation.