CDF-MN launches companion tool to Bridge to Benefits
CDF-MN recently launched a companion tool to Bridge to Benefits called the Economic Stability Indicator. The Economic Stability Indicator (ESI) is a website with an interactive tool to illustrate to legislators, policymakers and advocates the interaction between wages, public programs, tax credits and liability in bringing or failing to bring families to economic stability. This tool can be used to demonstrate the gap that exists between low wages and a basic needs budget and the role public programs and tax credits play in filling that gap. The specific goals of the ESI are to:
- Educate policymakers and legislators on how current and proposed legislation and tax policies create “cliff effects” and other unintended consequences.
- Demonstrate that these programs and tax credits can fill the gap between low wages and basic expenses and make work pay.
- Illustrate the difficult decisions low-income families must face when trying to make ends meet, especially when programs are not fully funded.
- Educate families about wage and program interaction so they can make informed choices about employment and program use.
Bridge to Benefits partners can use the ESI tool with their clients to help them budget and prepare for income and benefits changes. The site is also in the process of being updated to model the options available to families under the new Affordable Care Act regulations during the open enrollment period that begins Oct. 1, 2013. Partners will soon be able to link to ESI from their partner dashboard when logged into B2B. The website is not for public use and only people who are trained to use the site by CDF-MN should use it with clients. To find out more information or schedule an ESI training, please contact Stephanie Hogenson at hogenson@cdf-mn.org or 651-855-1175.
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