Self-Sufficiency Standard for Connecticut

The cost of living independently of public or private subsidies in Connecticut has been determined by a new study.  The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Connecticut, commissioned by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) from Dr. Diana Pearce of the University of Washington School of Social Work, documents the cost of living for families of 70 different sizes and compositions in 12 regions of the state. 

"True self-sufficiency involves not just a job with a certain wage and benefits, but rather income security over time," explains Pearce.  The Standard assumes adults work full-time.  It addresses the gaps in the federal poverty standard by taking into consideration family composition, regional differences and the effects of taxes and tax credits; determining the costs of each need (food, housing, clothing) independently; and allowing for new needs, such as childcare.  

In a public briefing at the Legislative Office Building on April 13th, Pearce, along with state Representatives Andrea Stillman, Chris Donovan, and Sonny Googins and Senator Edith Prague, discussed the connection between good-paying jobs and self-sufficiency.  Although families making the transition from welfare to work in low-skill, low-wage jobs are earning above the poverty level, typically they are not earning enough to meet their basic needs.  Policy makers in Connecticut can use the Standard to better understand issues of income inadequacy, to analyze policy, and to help individuals striving for self-sufficiency.  

Pearce made the following recommendations for Connecticut to close the income gap:

• Remove the cap on childcare reimbursement to ensure quality child care.

• Raise the floor on minimum wages

• Provide education and training to low-income people

• Provide the Earned Income Tax Credit in a monthly stipend

• Stop the clock on working families to reward them for successfully transitioning to work. 

  For a copy of the report, contact OPM at (860)418-6200. 

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