United Way outlines legislative priorities for 2024
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United Way of Central Indiana has released its policy agenda ahead of the 2024 legislative session at the Indiana Statehouse. The not-for-profit said it will focus on priorities to address poverty in central Indiana, including early childhood education and housing.
United Way said it will continue its work through the Early Education Works Coalition to advocate for increasing the state’s early childhood education workforce through apprenticeships, work-based learning opportunities and competency-based pathways.
The coalition also plans to propose the piloting of child care microcenters in hard-to-serve areas of the state, as well as widening the scope of early education from ages 0-5 to ages 0-8.
United Way is partnering with the Hoosier Housing Needs Coalition and Prosperity Indiana to advocate for increasing the amount of quality affordable housing, preserving existing affordable housing and ending housing discrimination.
The organization’s third priority is economic mobility. Efforts during the legislative session include advocating for increased access to in-state tuition for DACA recipients and other undocumented students, as well as the study of a paid family leave pilot program for families that quality for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
“Our policy agenda is a collaborative effort that prioritizes the creation of more stable households and vibrant communities, and we look forward to building on the bipartisan successes of last session.” United Way Vice President of Government Relations Sam Snideman said in a news release. “Even with the short session this year, our bold early care and learning proposals will help Indiana meet its economic and workforce development goals.”
United Way said it developed its public policy agenda after consulting with its network of 88 community organizations in its seven-county service area.