Champion equitable policies and practices at local, state, and federal levels, amplifying community voice to improve outcomes for all.
At United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut, we believe that every individual and family should have the opportunity to thrive. With 42% of households living at or below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold across Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties, ALICE households are a focal point of our work. Our advocacy efforts are rooted in equity, collective action, and a commitment to creating long-term, systemic change that fosters well-being and financial security for everyone.
Who is ALICE?
ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. In Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties, 42% of households are at or below the ALICE Threshold. These households either find it difficult to afford basic necessities like housing, food, transportation, child care, healthcare, and utilities or are just one crisis away from financial instability.
Understanding the full impact of ALICE in our community is crucial for effective advocacy. Dive deeper into the data and learn more about the challenges faced by ALICE households by exploring our detailed ALICE report or see a snapshot of ALICE in our community by clicking here.
2025 LEGISLATIVE ASKS
To access the Connecticut United Ways 2025 Policy Agenda, click here.
#1 Legislative Priority: Child Tax Credit
Support a Permanent, Refundable Connecticut Child Tax Credit: A permanent, refundable Child Tax Credit at $600 per child. In Danbury, 85% of low to moderate income families could receive up to $8.8M in refunds, representing more than $12M in potential local economic activity.
- Support Universal No-Cost School Meals: Every child has access to nutritious food, helping them succeed in school and supporting overall well-being.
- Early Care and Education: Identify a stream of funding for the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund to provide immediate resources and long-term sustainability to parents and caregivers in the early care system.
- Identify state funding for Cora’s Kids Family Child Care Network, serving Greater Danbury.
- Enhance 211 Call Center Capacity: Invest an additional $2 million to ensure the 211 system is adequately staffed, enabling the service to respond to an additional 2,000 callers per week.
- Leverage 211 to Address Youth Disconnection: Invest $1 million in 211 to reduce youth disconnection - Fund additional call center specialists, a youth-focused awareness campaign, and flexible funds to bridge gaps in existing services for the 119,000 young people aged 14-24 who are at risk or disconnected from school or work.
- Increase the State’s De Minimis Indirect Cost Rate to 15%: Increase the 15% state de minimis indirect cost rate for nonprofit organizations, aligning with federal standards.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Youth Success
- Early Care and Education: Ensure access to affordable, high-quality early care and education, including implementation of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Care recommendations.
- Education and Workforce Development: Promote investments in public education and workforce development to prepare youth for a successful future.
- Opportunity Youth: Support the 119K Commission’s efforts to address the needs of disconnected youth by creating opportunities for education and workforce engagement.
- Strengthen Danbury Public Schools: Advocate for increased and equitable funding to address budget deficits, enhance educational resources, and ensure all students have access to quality education and opportunities for success.
Economic Security
Support the expansion and accessibility of affordable housing, fair employment practices, affordable utilities, and tax relief for working families, ensuring they have the resources to meet their needs and build a stable future.
Health, Food and Nutrition Security
Advance access to affordable healthcare, increase funding for emergency feeding and social safety net programs, and promote healthy, nutritious meals for all children.
Systemic Reform and Fiscal Sustainability
Encourage a balanced approach to fiscal policy that promotes economic stability while protecting the critical services that support low- and moderate-income households, including making responsible adjustments to the fiscal guardrails and increasing the state’s de minimis indirect cost rate to 15%.
2025 POLICY AGENDAS
Our advocacy efforts are rooted in equity, collective action, and a commitment to creating long-term, systemic change that fosters well-being and financial security for everyone.
Greater Bridgeport: Link
Greater Danbury: Link
Greater New Milford: Link
Greater Norwalk: Link
Stamford: Link
FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you have questions or would like to discuss this policy agenda, please contact: Ashley Gaudiano, Ashley.gaudiano@unitedwaycwc.org.
For additional information, visit alice.ctunitedway.org