IDA Legislation and Coalition-Building: Broader Policy Implications of a Midwest Bi-State Coalition Melinda Lewis, El Centro, Inc. Lisa Mason, MOKANSave

IDA Legislation in Missouri CED Committee of MASW helped draft model legislation, secured sponsors, and mobilized a highly active coalition. Key factors: physical presence in the capitol (staff and practicum students), statewide network, and specific tasks for coalition members to accomplish. 1999: Family Development Account Tax Credit Program established. Authorizes 50% state income tax credits for contributions to organizations that administer an FDA project. Organizations must have a “352 status.”

IDA Legislation in Kansas Comprehensive IDA legislation has been introduced 3 times, without passage. 2001: Assistive Device IDA Program Act passed, with limited state tax credits to leverage matching funds for individuals with disabilities to purchase assistive technology devices.

MOKANSave New bi-state effort across Missouri and Kansas to promote asset-building programs and policies such as IDAs. Launched in February 2002 by the CED Committee of the Missouri Association for Social Welfare, in partnership with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the Center for Social Development, El Centro, Inc., and Heart of America Family Services.

Why Bi-State? Affiliation with Kansas City organizations. Opportunity to share knowledge, experiences, and resources. Opportunity to explore a collaborative effort across state lines, to generate valuable information about translating asset-building policies across states. Step towards a multi-state or regional effort to promote IDAs.

Goals Increase access to information and research on asset-building and IDAs in Missouri and Kansas. Assist coalition-building efforts of organizations and groups in both states. Provide assistance with policy efforts in both states.

Strategies Organize community informational forums about IDAs. Develop the MOKANSave webpage. Organize an annual bi-state IDA conference.

Community Forums Accomplished Wichita, Kansas –June 26 –35 participants Garden City, Kansas –October 15 –20 participants Projected Salina, Kansas –Discussed at GC forum –Spring, 2002 Jefferson City, Missouri –Promote FDA program –Spring, 2002 Rural Missouri –Raise awareness about IDAs

MOKANSave Webpage Launched July, 2002: Areas: –Asset-Building Basics - IDA Program Development –Calendar of Events - IDA Advocacy –In the News- Links Surveys to all Missouri and Kansas contacts for guidance and suggestions.

Bi-State IDA Conference May 8-9, 2003 at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City. Coalition-Building Training Policy Development Building Support

Policy Implications Missouri: –Contribute to the implementation of existing policy. –Coalition in place if/when legislation is revisited. –Increase support across state lines. Kansas: –Generate interest in IDAs statewide. –Coalition in place if/when legislation is introduced. –Increase support across state lines.

Policy Implications (cont’d) Bi-state: –Monthly updates, listserv (planned), and annual conference will enable policy and program practices, experiences, and ideas to be readily disseminated across both states. Beyond: –Multi-state initiatives? –Regional initiatives?

Impact of MOKANSave in Kansas

Discussion Coalition-Building Models Pros and Cons Considerations in Choosing a Model Starting a Coalition Questions