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MCAP Newsletter

June/July 2019

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DUE TODAY!

Action needed to oppose the proposed changes
to the Official Poverty Measure

On May 7th, the Trump Administration released a Request for Comment on its proposed changes to the current method used to make annual adjustments to the Official Poverty Measure (OPM). The proposed changes would result in an inaccurate measure of the poverty rate and significantly reduce the number of individuals and families eligible for the type of critical programs and services provided by Community Action Agencies.

The National CAP has provided some templates for comments and talking points for CAAs to use to provide feedback. CAP is asking CAAs to take action in one or all of the following ways:

Review materials, such as the talking points, webinar, and other background resources.
Write and send comments to OMB. Use the template as the starting point for your response and consider adding in specific data and stories from your agency. Send in your letter by June 21, 2019.
Reach out to your congressional representatives to make them aware of the issue and provide them with your agency's comments to OMB.

Click here to access the resource guide provided to help you follow the steps listed above.

DUE TODAY!

Help the National Partnership by filling out

the Racial Equity Survey

From the CAP: As the Community Action Network aims to effectively eradicate the causes and conditions of poverty, we understand that racial inequity rests at the intersection of multiple barriers that impede access to economic security for children, families, and communities. Please use this survey as an opportunity to share your work, in addition to your resource and capacity needs in this space. We estimate that this survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete, and all members of the Network are invited to participate in this survey. Click here to access survey, and fill out by June 21, 2019.

Bill Introduced to Boost Tax Credits for Working Families

The newest Human Needs Report from Coalition on Human Needs just came out and it includes news about EITC and CTC. Click here to read more.

Tools & Articles Available for Engaging Fathers

The Self-Sufficiency Research Clearinghouse is highlighting resources for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding how better to engage low-income fathers enrolled in responsible fatherhood programs.

Click here to visit the SSRC Library to explore topics on fatherhood like "Predictors of father involvement in a sample of low-income men enrolled in a Responsible Fatherhood program" and "Effects of four responsible fatherhood programs for low-income fathers: Evidence from the parents and children together evaluation".