July 3, 2009

Asset Development

The Asset Development Task Force supports policies that foster independence from welfare and charity in depressed communities by encouraging economic activities such as home ownership, matched savings programs, investment in education and microenterprise.

TASK FORCE GOALS FOR 2009

Monitor legislation pertaining to tax credit changes that could impact the Family Development Account (FDA) Tax Credits legislation; and, if changes are proposed, organize advocacy efforts that make it easier for community organizations to participate in the FDA tax credit program without eliminating individual savings accounts for low-income Missourians as an allowable activity under the legislation.
Educate legislators and the public about the impact and importance of asset development programs in Missouri. This goal will include holding an asset development advocacy day at the Capitol and organizing a state-wide effort to implement the national Buy ME (Buy Microenterprise) campaign that seeks to promote consumers to buy locally and support the Microenterprises in their communities.
Position the Asset Development Task Force to serve as a central clearinghouse of Missouri asset development information including a calendar of relevant events, funding opportunities, best practices, potential collaborations, practitioner directory, and impact and outcomes data.

View the list of 2009 legislation MASW is following on Asset Development

States Continue to Send Wrong Message on Public Benefits

According a new report from the Corporation For Enterprise Development (CFED), many states including Missouri continue to use asset limits in determining eligibility for certain public benefits. This acts as a disincentive to accrue assets as a means out of poverty and forces those with assets to “spend down” long-term assets to qualify for short-term public benefits.

Read Resource Guide: Asset Limits in Public Benefit Programs.

A list of upcoming meetings is available on the MASW Calendar page. A list of related web sites is available on the MASW Links page.

If you are interested in participating in the Asset Development task force please contact MASW Staff .

Updated: 11/07/2008