Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1542829
A report from the Senate Joint Economic Committee in June 2025 indicated that the average cost for families with new infants increased by approximately $400 for a basket of 11 essential baby items, between March 10 and June 3, 2025. In addition, a study by Yale's Budget Lab estimates that new tariffs could increase costs for the average American household by about $2,400 in 2025, due to higher prices for various goods, including clothing, electronics, food and cars. POVERTY ENDS WITH US A LICE– many in Connecticut have begun to recognize this United Way-coined acronym that stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. With the purpose of discovering the struggles of families in one New Jersey county, United Way of Northern New Jersey started this study of financial hardship that today includes several United Ways, corporations, nonprofits, and foundations in 38 states across the nation, including Connecticut. Connecticut United Ways were an early adopter of this study and have been participating for more than 11 years. Harnessing this data and research on the mismatch between low-paying jobs and the cost of survival, this study is changing the national dialogue about financial hardship. Locally, the 2025 Connecticut United Ways ALICE Report reveals the growing number of people in our state who are unable to make ends meet. These numbers include: • 11 percent of people who are actively working but still unable to cover essentials like housing, food and health care; and, • 29 percent living below the Federal Poverty Level. Together, these figures represent 40 percent of households in our state - nearly half of residents - underscoring the urgent need for action and support. partnership between United Way's Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program, Reach Out and Read, and Read to Grow. Together, we are ensuring children across our state receive free books so they foster a love of reading and achieve developmental and academic milestones. • Separately, and in support of our efforts to connect young adults with good-paying jobs through Hartford Working Cities, the Connecticut General Assembly allocated an award of $230,000 for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This amount reflects $30,000 more than what has been appropriated in the past, validating the effectiveness and efficiency of United Way's work in this area. We must recognize that stable households can offer us stronger communities. If all households in Connecticut had enough income to meet their basic needs, not only would households' hardship be eased, but there would also be a positive economic impact on the wider community through increased consumer spending and contributions to the tax base. That is why United Way's work is imporant, and that is why we all care and get involved. Join us! While locally there have been significant efforts to elevate the minimum wage, households haven't seen significant improvements as the cost of living continues to rise. United Way is focused on mobilizing people and resources to end poverty in the 860 region. We recognize that this is a complex and dynamic issue that requires bold actions and decisions, and we are committed to closing gaps and creating a united region where there are equal opportunities for everyone to succeed. In 2025 our advocacy efforts accomplished significant gains to support our communities: • During the most recent legislative session, Connecticut's General Assembly appropriated $500,000 to sustain and expand upon early childhood literacy initiatives – including our UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL AND NORTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT | 2025 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT | 23 CLICK HERE to see the ALICE Report.