Economic Security
Investments in economic security ensure that people can survive difficult financial times and take steps to improve their quality of life. Families succeed when parents are secure in their ability to provide basic necessities for their children. Workers prosper when workplaces are safe and financial protections exist in cases of injury or job loss. Everyone in the state benefits when people can meet their basic needs and find meaningful employment.
Even in times of prosperity, we all face the risk of job loss, disability, or family crisis. When the economy is strained, these public investments matter even more.
Strong social support systems ensure all people can meet basic needs in times of hardship as well as support people in their efforts to escape poverty. Regulation can make sure that jobs are safe and pay a fair wage. Public programs can assist working people by providing needed supports such as child care, health insurance, and wage supplements. Unemployment insurance can be used to protect against deprivation in times of job loss. And together as a state, we can make sure that those who are unable to work can meet basic needs such as food, housing, transportation, and medical care.
This chapter describes our shared efforts to ensure that everyone has economic security in the state. It includes goals, measurable outcomes, and spotlights on key issues.
