CLASP promotes federal policies to improve the lives of low-income people.

We analyze existing policies and practices including how they are carried out at the state and local levels and promote policy options and changes in federal legislation, regulations or department/agency guidance.  We also develop and promote new and innovative policies to address significant gaps in existing policies.  We advocate before and provide technical assistance to all levels of the federal government. In addition, we work in coalitions and coordinate our efforts with others seeking similar changes.      

Our current agenda for 2010 and beyond is directed to committing the administration and Congress to:

• Cut poverty and overhaul the federal poverty measure
• Expand and improve child care and early education, including Head Start
• Prevent child abuse and neglect whenever possible and better help those who are maltreated to heal
• Improve workforce education and training programs
• Improve access to and success in post-secondary education
• Improve job quality
• Improve success for disadvantaged and disconnected youth
• Improve TANF and expand work supports
• Enhance supports for low-income people through the tax system
• Expand and improve the effectiveness of civil legal assistance

A more detailed explanation of our federal policy agenda is found on our issue pages or in CLASP Federal Policy Recommendation for 2010.