Promoting Economic Independence: Identifying what it costs to make ends meet in Massachusetts and the jobs that pay Deborah Connolly Youngblood, Ph.D. Vice President of Research and Innovation dyoungblood@liveworkthrive.org

I would

The rising cost of living Food: Since 2006 food expenses for a family of four (two adults with two school-age children) have increased 15.4% Transportation: Between 2006 and 2008 the average cost of owning and driving a small sedan increased 9% Child Care: Between 2006 and 2008, child care costs increased by an average of 10% Health Care: Between 2006 – 2008 for those with employee sponsored plans, single coverage increased nearly 10% and family coverage increased 7.5%

Women in a Down Economy In 2006, 72% of all Massachusetts households living below the federal poverty line were headed by single mothers. 49% of women work in low-paid occupational sectors; retail, service and administration In 2008 women’s wages in these occupations ranged from $21,000 - $30,000, well below the Mass. Index requirements for most families In 2006 women in MA earned 72% as much as men performing the same jobs.

What is a Hot Job? High Demand defined as 100 or more openings statewide Requires two years or less of post-secondary education Pays a family sustaining wage, defined as the Mass. Index Massachusetts average for a single parent with one preschool and one school-age child I’d like to have the cover of the report and the Hot Job definition on one slide if possible, perhaps side by side?

CWU Access to Higher Education Policy Recommendations Improve the alignment between education systems (elementary and secondary; adult basic education and higher education) Invest in career counseling, guidance, and support for adult learners Expand financial aid funding for adult learners, including funding for the Massachusetts Educational Rewards Grant Program Offer two years (or equivalent credit) of free community college for degree or certificate programs, with priority given to working adult learners

Mission Statement www.liveworkthrive.org Crittenton Women's Union transforms the course of low-income women's lives so that they can attain economic independence and create better futures for themselves and their families. We accomplish this by: Providing safe housing, caring supports, education, and training programs; Innovating new programmatic designs based on research and client experience; Using this knowledge and experience to shape public policy and achieve social change. www.liveworkthrive.org