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Standard of Living Support in Santa Cruz, California |
Why Is It Important? |
Santa Cruz County families should use all the work-support, income-support benefits to which they are entitled to improve their economic status. We often think of programs like food stamps, child care and housing subsidies, and TANF as the only such programs, but programs such as the Earned Income Tax Credit can give local residents a significant financial boost. When coupled with financial education where low-income families learn to budget, save and use credit wisely, EITC can increase their financial security. “When families can secure a steady income and build assets they are better able to meet the needs of their children” according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. |
Story Behind The Trend |
It’s assumed that hard-working people will make it in the United States. Yet there are many people who are falling into a precarious economic situation. We see it in our county. |
What the Data Tells Us |
25% of people in Santa Cruz County who are eligible for Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) do not file for them, which is the same as leaving money on the Federal table. Working families in our county could use the maximum EITC of $4,700 to improve their financial situation.
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Partners With a Role to Play |
To increase the number of families taking advantage of the EITC, they must know it exsits and how to use it. Some ways to make that possible include partnering with local organizations that have contact with families likely to be eligible for EITC, such as
- Other agencies, the County and Cities that are providing support and supplements to working families.
- Businesses that can easily increase their employee’s access to support services available and be rewarded with company loyalty, lower absenteeism, and increased productivity.
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How Can We Make a Difference? |
- A greater number of low-income families will receive free tax assistance;
- Higher percentage of working families will receive the Earned Income Tax Credits in 2008;
- Low-income families will be offered financial education;
- Many more partners will help inform clients and employees about services that support and supplement work.
Contact Ellen Murtha, at Santa Cruz Community Credit Union, (831) 460-2345, emurtha@scruzccu.org to find out how you can be part of making a difference. The economic goal is: “By the year 2010, the annual Median Family Income will increase by a higher percentage than the Bay Area Consumer Price Index.” The team includes:
Robert Fairlie, UCSC Economics Professor
Brian King, President of Cabrillo College
Carlos Palacios, Watsonville City Manager
Kaki Rusmore, Women’s Commission
Bill Tysseling, Executive Director of Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce
Sharolynn Ullestad, Director of Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce
Michael Watkins, Superintendent of Education
Richard Wilson, Santa Cruz City Manager
Kathy Zwart, Director of Workforce Investment Board
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Design Education & Training to Higher-Wage Employment in Santa Cruz, California
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Why Is It Important? |
Employers in high-skill industries unable to find qualified employees. |
Story Behind The Trend |
The cost of living in Santa Cruz County is prohibitive for many people. From 2000-2005 there was a significant decrease in the population of people ages 25-44 and their children in the county. Employers in high-skill industries are unable to satisfy demand for qualified employees. Current employees are nearing retirement age and Baby-boomers are retiring. There is a lack of information about Career Technology Education (CTE) opportunities. The focus on four-year college prep and No Child Left Behind legislation has diminished CTE opportunities.
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What the Data Tells Us |
CTE programs in K-12 schools has declined in the last decade.
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Partners With a Role to Play |
- Formation of stakeholder teams in each industry to provide guidance, mentoring and support, and increase communication with education;
- Workforce Investment Board (WIB) prioritizes funding for training in these occupations. County-wide agreement CTE (funding)
- Increase awareness in middle schools;
- Expand Career Exploration through ROP in high schools and support comprehensive high schools to increase CTE opportunities;
- Skill building for employability in grades 7 – 12
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How Can We Make a Difference? |
By the end of 12th grade, all students will be prepared to enter training or education programs leading to local high-skill jobs that pay family-supporting wages.
Contact Ellen Murtha, at Santa Cruz Community Credit Union, (831) 460-2345, emurtha@scruzccu.org to find out how you can be part of making a difference. The economic goal is: “By the year 2010, the annual Median Family Income will increase by a higher percentage than the Bay Area Consumer Price Index.” The team includes:
Robert Fairlie, UCSC Economics Professor
Brian King, President, Cabrillo College
Carlos Palacios, Watsonville City Manager
Kaki Rusmore, Women’s Commission
Bill Tysseling, Executive Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce
Sharolynn Ullestad, Director Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce
Michael Watkins, Superintendent of Education
Richard Wilson, Santa Cruz City Manager
Kathy Zwart, Director of Workforce Investment Board |
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