focus:home main findings special report state grades state policy ratings measures customize scorecard using the scorecard about assets & opportunity campaign State Policy Ratings

Introduction to Asset Policy

State policies can provide opportunities for families to build assets and safety nets to protect what they’ve already got. In some cases, state policies can also impede families’ efforts to be financially secure.  In addition to providing information on 38 state policies, all of which are currently being implemented to some extent in at least one state, the 2007-2008 Assets and Opportunity Scorecard highlights and evaluates 12 state policies that fundamentally affect this picture.  By highlighting 12 of the 38 policies, the Scorecard puts forth clear recommendations for what state policymakers can and should do to provide financial security and opportunity.

Core Policies

The 12 policies are drawn from the five categories in the Scorecard: Education, Homeownership, Health Care, Business Development and Financial Security. None of these policies alone is the silver bullet, but each is a piece of the assets puzzle. Together these policies form the core of a positive asset agenda and states should use these 12 policies as the starting point to pursue those policies that reflect the particular needs of the state.

UPDATED POLICY DATA AVAILABLE!

CORE POLICY RATINGS ACROSS THE STATES [Summary PDF]


Additional Asset Policies

The Scorecard provides information on 26 additional state policies, all of which are currently being implemented, to some extent, in at least one state.  As a complement to the 12 core policies, these additional state asset policies provide a comprehensive policy framework for creating a positive state asset-building and asset-protection environment.
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