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.
Big Win! Final Public Charge Rule Announced
Last week, the Biden Administration announced changes to immigration rules that disproportionately harm low-income people of color. The changes repeal and replace extreme and discriminatory changes to the Public Charge…
Arizona should use its surplus to invest in the future, not in another tax giveaway.
As Arizona’s economy continues its rapid recovery and expansion—in large part thanks to federal relief legislation that kept families afloat and businesses open—Arizona’s state revenues have skyrocketed, resulting…
The better the bill, the harder it falls
This year, state lawmakers in Arizona introduced nearly 1700 pieces of legislation. Committee chairs, using their power through rules and deadlines, select which bills receive a hearing for consideration. Every year many…
ProPublica feature strengthens case for improving cash assistance in Arizona
Recent reporting from ProPublica and the Arizona Republic has vividly depicted the consequences of the Arizona state government’s approach to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. As ProPublica documents…
Statement on Governor Ducey’s Termination of Temporary Unemployment Protections
Today, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey announced he would end temporary pandemic unemployment assistance. Rather than listening to workers, addressing root causes of unemployment, and enabling people to pursue jobs that provide…
American Rescue Plan will provide much needed boost for Arizona
The American Rescue Plan Act, passed by Congress and signed by President Biden last week, is a major victory for Arizonans. A year into the pandemic, this legislation provides much-needed relief to struggling households and…
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…
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…
