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Marlenta Johnson-Williams

In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the state of Louisiana has taken steps to make asset building a priority. The Louisiana Department of Social Services has embraced the concept of asset building, and is implementing programs that offer opportunities for asset building to low- and moderate-income residents.

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Ideas in Development

policy

 What's New SEED State Policy

State Policy Partner.  CFED is pleased to announce the addition of a new SEED State Policy Partner. Rural Dynamics, Inc. (RDI) will represent Montana as an “Emerging Partner” for 2009. RDI develops programs and partnerships to help youth, individuals, and families achieve economic independence. RDI is also the founder of a coalition of Tribal and nonprofit organizations in Montana, northern Wyoming, and the western Dakotas that works to build community and individual assets.

SEED policy

More than just a savings product, nationwide implementation of Children's Development Accounts (CDAs), also known as Childrens Savings Accounts, would move the United States closer to a universal, lifelong, progressive and inclusive public policy in support of asset-building for all Americans. CDAs can increase the savings rate, ensure a greater level of investment in children, improve the economic and social prospects for each succeeding generation, and increase the economic and social welfare of the nation as a whole.

Over the last decade, there have been an increasing number of federal and state legislative proposals from both sides of the aisle to establish matched savings accounts at birth. Moreover, the rapid growth of state 529 Education Savings Plans and the interest by some states in ensuring that lower-income families can participate suggests that this burgeoning system may provide a foundation for universal and progressive savings accounts for children. 

SEED as a National Policy
VIDEO: SEED as a National Policy

CFED is working with the New America Foundation to further CDA legislation on the federal level.  To learn about the multiple legislative proposals for CDAs currently pending in Congress, visit www.kidsaccounts.org or www.aspireact.org The information presented in this section of the SEED website focuses on state children's savings policy.