Basic Needs & Supports
Basic Needs & Supports
In a wealthy democracy, nutritious food, stable housing, quality healthcare, and other household needs should not be out-of-reach for those with lower incomes or experiencing poverty.
The Arizona Center for Economic Progress pushes governments at all levels to guarantee access to these essential elements of human well-being for all residents. Having the basics allows Arizonans to reach their full potential, improves living standards, and shores up the State’s economy.
Resources
What did the Arizona legislature miss this year?
This year, state lawmakers in Arizona introduced more than 1,800 pieces of legislation. Committee chairs, using their power through rules and deadlines, select which bills receive a hearing for consideration. Every year…
Tens of thousands of Arizona households have already missed rent payments during COVID-19
The recent uptick in COVID-19 cases has made it clear that Arizona remains stuck in a public health and economic emergency. As the expiration dates for expanded unemployment benefits through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief,…
SNAP is the anti-hunger tool Arizona needs now
As the per-capita rate of COVID-19 in Arizona remains one of the highest in the US, the public health and economic emergency continues to disrupt workplaces. Many workers continue to experience reduced hours, furlough, or…
Unemployment insurance is an effective, necessary boost for Arizona’s workers and businesses
As the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on workplaces rages on with additional workplace shutdowns in Arizona, tens of thousands of Arizonans will continue to file for unemployment insurance (UI) every week. Yet, unemployed…
Arizona’s workers need unemployment insurance reform — now
In Arizona, as in much of the county, the economic shockwaves from COVID-19 have exacerbated vulnerabilities for workers. As businesses shutter and employees are sent home, the unemployment rate in Arizona rose to 12.6% in…
Increase Food Assistance Now
Job loss and reductions to income related to COVID-19 have put a strain on family budgets. A new national survey from the Urban Institute found that 3 in 10 nonelderly adults have reduced spending on food, with nearly half…
We Need to Protect Arizona’s Tenants
In 2018, before COVID-19 and its economic fallout, nearly 9 in 10 Arizonan households with extremely low incomes spent more than half of their income on housing—leaving little room for emergency expenses. Many low-income,…
Senate Farm Bill is the Way Forward for SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) is a key tool that keeps working families economically secure. SNAP participants include hard working families, unemployed workers who fell…
A People-Driven Economic Agenda During COVID-19
COVID-19’s rapid spread, the measures taken to contain it, and the uncertain duration of the crisis have sent shockwaves through the economy. As many businesses grind to a halt and workers are laid off, many economists…
Bridging the gaps to the COVID-19 response
Arizona should have people-driven policies and public investments to stabilize incomes, prevent job loss, provide for basic needs, and preserve state resources. While Congress and the state legislature have taken important…
Arizona Congressional Delegation Must Take Swift and Bold Action to Mitigate Economic Harms of COVID-19 Pandemic
MEDIA STATEMENT (Phoenix, Arizona) Thursday, March 19, 2020 The Arizona Center for Economic Progress calls upon Senators Sinema and McSally and the entire Congressional delegation from Arizona to take swift and bold action…
