Strengthening Connecticut’s Child Poverty Initiative

In 2004, Connecticut became the first state in the nation to pass legislation requiring a reduction in the state poverty rate. This bold bill sought to reduce child poverty by 50 percent within 10 years, promoting preventative services as a mechanism to do so.

While the approach is novel, progress toward its goal has been limited. One step forward: A recent report by national experts, which outlined five promising poverty reduction strategies.

The Annie E Casey Foundation has actively supported the state’s child poverty initiative and will be working with state agencies and nonprofits throughout the state to test methods that reduce child poverty among certain target groups. Not only will it be a recurring theme for the Foundation, but we hope it will be for your agency, as well.