Opportunity@Work is a coalition dedicated to strengthening the financial stability of Nebraskans.  Through collaboration, research, advocacy and outreach, coalition partners identify and support solutions that balance the needs of working families, businesses and communities across the state.

Our efforts are focused on three key issues for success:

Sustain Income

Whether due to an unexpected job loss, disability, low-wage work, generational poverty, or geographic, racial and/or economic barriers, many families in Nebraska are struggling to provide basic needs for their households.

Opportunities to sustain income for families during financial hardship include:

• Earned Income Tax Credit
• Child Care Access
• Health Care Access
• Financial Education

Build Savings and Ownership

Income alone cannot ensure financial security for families.  While income provides for the day-to-day needs, savings and ownership provide assets which may appreciate, increase wealth and provide a financial cushion during times of financial difficulty.

Opportunities to build savings and ownership for families include:

• Microenterprise
• Matched Savings Accounts (Individual Development Accounts, Productive Assets, Child Savings Account, College Savings)
• Affordable Housing

Protect and Grow Assets

The protection and growth of assets (tangible and intangible) provide long-term financial security and allow for investment in the future.  In order for families to keep and grow savings and ownership, many barriers in existing policies, programs and practices must be reformed.

Opportunities to encourage the protection and growth of assets include:

• “Cliff Effect” (Often used to refer to the immediate loss of benefits due to income eligibility requirements)
• Asset/Resource Limit Tests
• Payday and Predatory Lending Reform