Safety Net/Work Supports
Today in Illinois, there are nearly 1.5 million people living in poverty. Of those, 544,000 are children, and 707,000 live in extreme poverty — with an annual income of less than $8,050 for a family of three. And, not all of these families receive public benefits. Only 38,000 families receive cash assistance, about 557,000 get food stamps, and 965,000 access medical assistance through Illinois' more generous health insurance programs.
Although the uptake of both food stamps and medical assistance has increased in Illinois, research also underscores that hundreds of individuals are not able to access the assistance they need due to lack of information, problems in benefits administration, and policies that restrict their eligibility.
CJC believes that...No one should live in poverty. With tax dollars, government has the responsibility to provide a safety net of income and work supports for low-wage workers and those unable to work. The level of this support should be at least sufficient to ensure adequate and decent housing, nutrition, childcare, and health care for all Illinoisans. Welfare and workforce program rules should facilitate access to assistance and work supports until individuals and families obtain self-sustaining employment.
That's why we...Work to influence welfare and workforce development policies and programs at the federal, state, and local levels to maximize access to the safety net and work supports for individuals and families living in poverty.
