Press Releases
New United Way Study Finds Nearly 1 in 3 Households in California Struggle to Meet Basic Needs
Contact:
Beylah Marks
United Ways of California
bmarks@unitedwaysca.org
(408) 718-6274
Nearly one in three California families are struggling to cover their daily needs, according to a new study released by United Ways of California that defines which families struggle financially in California more accurately than the federal poverty level, and demonstrates that the current policy debates around child care, housing costs, and family tax credits are more urgent than ever.
The study, Struggling to Move Up: The Real Cost Measure in California 2021, finds that the share of families that struggle financially is 2.5 times higher in California than what is factored in the federal government’s measure. It amounts to 3.5 million families who are unable to meet basic needs — a situation affecting Latino and Black households at much higher rates than other communities. The federal government uses an outdated formula for calculating poverty — one that fails to take into account how much rent, transportation, healthcare, and other basic needs cost in California.
Record High Investments in Financial Relief for Most Californians, but Equitable Economic Recovery for Households Excluded from Relief Still Unclear
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Contact:
Anna Hasselblad, Public Policy Director
United Ways of California
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 916-317-4997
Cadonna Dory, Director of Communications
Children’s Defense Fund-CA
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 323-385-6342
Advocates call for targeted assistance for Californians who have been excluded from federal stimulus, building on the state’s investments in the CalEITC and Golden State Stimulus
(Sacramento, CA) — For months, the California Legislature has been debating and voting on a wide range of budget investments and so far there have been some truly incredible measures taken to invest in the financial security of California’s most vulnerable communities. Advocates from the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) Coalition praise the actions taken this year to shore up households that have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis, but note that more targeted, equity-based investments are still needed.
The CalEITC is one of the state’s most powerful tools to combat poverty and it is critically important for the state to invest in its growth. This is why advocates championed SB 691 (Rubio) which would have provided an additional $100 in CalEITC benefits for people who use an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) and reducing the income eligibility for the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) from $1 to $0 to avoid bureaucratic hurdles for this population. Funding to expand these credits is not included in the budget deal outlined by the Legislature today, and remains a critical issue for low-income households, not only to recover from the pandemic’s economic hardships, but also as ongoing equity measures for families.
United Ways of California Praises Inclusion of CalEITC Outreach and Free Tax Preparation Assistance Funding in Legislature’s Budget, Urges Governor Newsom’s Approval
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Contact:
Anna Hasselblad, Public Policy Director
United Ways of California
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 916-317-4997
(Sacramento, CA) - California legislators approved a $15 million investment in CalEITC Outreach and Free Tax Preparation Assistance (FTPA) to leverage one of our state’s most powerful poverty-fighting tools, the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC). United Ways of California enthusiastically applauds this action and urges Governor Newsom to approve this funding in the final budget agreement.
This investment in outreach and free tax filing assistance comes after weeks of intense deliberation by the Senate and Assembly and months of advocates pushing for targeted investments to ensure more households are aware of and can get help filing their taxes to claim these credits. This funding will emphasize reaching and assisting California’s immigrant and underserved communities, who have been hit especially hard during the economic crisis brought forth by COVID-19. This decision redresses a failure to fund free tax filing assistance in last year’s budget, and in addition, it calls for this funding to be “ongoing,” which would remove uncertainty about the continuation of the program. The $15 million in ongoing annual funding will be allocated for CalEITC Outreach and FTPA grants to qualified community partners.
California Legislature Adopts Healthy Start Framework for Historic $2 Billion Investment in Community Schools
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
CONTACT
Anna Hasselblad, Public Policy Director
United Ways of California
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 877.355.8922 x15
(Sacramento, Calif.) - Yesterday, both the Senate and Assembly Budget Committees agreed to build on lessons learned from California’s successful Healthy Start program, an integrated model for supporting children in receiving the services they need to thrive through local school-community collaboratives. The Healthy Start program provided grants to schools to develop wrap-around services, yielding dramatic results for children in increased reading and math scores, reduced substance use, and higher graduation rates, from its inception in 1991 until the latter part of 2007-2008, when it was ultimately defunded as a result of the Great Recession and its economic pressures. The Healthy Start program led to the development of similar models, such as community schools, across the state. Now, the Healthy Start framework will be the foundation for the Governor's historic $2 billion proposal for a Community Schools Partnership Program that will transform how child and family-serving systems work together to support healthy development.
Governor Announces a Second Round of Golden State Stimulus in May Revision Preview
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 10, 2021
Contact:
Anna Hasselblad
Public Policy Director, United Ways of California
916 317 4997
Advocates come together to praise this move, outline a bold and equitable proposal to build on the Administration’s May Revision, and craft a vision for inclusive economic hardship relief
[Los Angeles, Calif.] - California is facing record budget revenues and Governor Newsom’s proposal today to expand the Golden State Stimulus makes powerful use of a portion of this windfall. Advocates from the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) Coalition are heartened by the May Revision proposal, knowing that this is a starting point for negotiations within the Legislature. The CalEITC Coalition looks forward to working with legislators and the Governor to ensure those most impacted by the pandemic are equitably supported and that our community voice is heard throughout this process.
A Moment for Sober Reflection and a Recommitment to Equal Justice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2021
CONTACT
Pete Manzo
President & CEO
877 355 8922 x2
United Ways of California, issued this statement regarding the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin, convicted of murder in the killing of George Floyd.
We hope the guilty verdict handed down today provides some measure of justice and peace for Mr. Floyd and his family. What is left after the verdict in Minneapolis is a nation still reeling from the seemingly unrelenting occurrence of killings by police of unarmed individuals, disproportionately people of color, and stark disparities in administration of justice based on race, ethnicity and class.
Statement From United Ways on Golden State Stimulus
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Contact:
Peter Manzo (323) 309-8522
Anna Hasselblad (916) 317-4997
Golden State Stimulus, Eviction Protections, and Rent Relief Urgency Budget Proposal Announced by Governor Newsom with Legislative and United Way Leaders
The stimulus will reach low-income Californians, including undocumented households that file taxes with Individual Taxpayer Identification Number; local leaders note urgency and readiness to connect families to relief
(Los Angeles, CA) — Statement from United Ways of California and Local United Way Leaders:
“Today marks a critical moment in California’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic with Governor Newsom’s Budget Proposal to provide a much needed $600 state stimulus check to low-income residents via the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) structure. This combined with extending eviction protections and providing rent relief funds comes at the right time as so many households struggle to stay afloat financially,” said Peter Manzo, President and CEO of United Ways of California, (UWCA). “Local United Ways throughout California are on the frontlines of connecting communities to services and assistance, raising and disbursing millions of dollars in 2020 alone to help tens of thousands of families grappling with the devastating impacts of COVID-19. 2021 will require a similar commitment to getting aid where it is needed most, and we are ready to partner closely with the Legislature and the Newsom Administration to see this budget proposal through with urgency.”
Urgent Action Required as Number of California Children Without Healthcare Coverage Skyrockets
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Contact: Unai Montes, 213-476-8742, (Bilingual) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
California United Ways Sound the Alarm as the Percentage of Children Without Healthcare Coverage in California Continues to Rise
Despite Medi-Cal Expansion and Investments in Covered California the Number of California Children Without Health Care Coverage Has Ballooned by 11 Percent
(Los Angeles, CA) – According to a new report released by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, at least 334,000 California children lacked healthcare coverage in 2019. The number of Americans without health insurance has risen, writ large, since 2016. Yet, Georgetown’s reports confirm the worst fears of California United Ways, and the many anti-poverty and child welfare organizations that joined together to draft, pass, and implement Covering All Children, and Health 4 All Kids, policies less than a decade ago. After making tremendous inroads, and achieving coverage for 95% of California’s children, the percentage of California children without health insurance rose steeply, by approximately 11 percent, between 2016 and 2019. Experts agree that federal actions, such as the change to the public charge rule, are influencing caregivers to either not enroll newly eligible children, and to disenroll, or not-renew coverage for, children already enrolled in publicly subsidized healthcare plans.
United Ways of California Champions Voting Rights Through Statement of Principles and Text VOTE to 211 211 Campaign to Empower Eligible Voters
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
CONTACT: Unai Montes, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 213.476.8742
United Way Affirms Voting as a Bedrock of Our Democracy and Means for Achieving the Common Good, and Urges All Those Who Are Eligible to Text VOTE to 211-211
Excerpt from statement by United Ways of California’s President and CEO, Peter Manzo:
[Los Angeles, CA] – United Way mobilizes the caring power of communities for the common good. Today, our role is even more critical than ever. We know that it takes engaged citizens, working in good faith, from all sectors – community, business, labor, government and charitable – to improve the quality of life in our communities. This is why we are committed to expanding participation in our democracy. There is a deep connection between participating in community life and voting. Voting is how we express our hopes and dreams for our shared future. It is also the most fundamental right for all American citizens, upon which all other rights and liberties depend.
That is why ahead of the 2020 General Election, we launched Text VOTE to 211-211, a campaign to provide voters in the Golden State – accessible to voters all across the country – the verified information and accessible resources they need to safely cast their ballots, and have their voices heard. Our mission to fight for the education, health, and financial stability of every person in every community, and the fight to protect the voting rights of every eligible voter in every community, are as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. asserted, “interrelated, and tied in a single garment of destiny.”
Governor Newsom Makes History By Making Immigrant Workers and their Families Eligible for the State's Anti-Poverty Tax Credits
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, September 18, 2020
CONTACT:
Unai Montes, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 213 476 8742 (Bilingual)
California United Ways and Statewide CalEITC Coalition Laud Governor Newsom’s Expansion of the State's Earned Income and Young Child Tax Credits to All Californians Who File Taxes, Not Just Those With Social Security Numbers
[Sacramento, Calif.] – The California Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition, made up of over 60 anti-poverty, immigrant rights, and community-based organizations, applauds Governor Gavin Newsom’s historic decision to sign AB 1876 (Arambula AD-31) into law. Both non-citizen immigrant households, as well as mixed-status families in which one tax filer has a Social Security Number while the other does not, will directly benefit from the expansion of California’s anti-poverty tax credits.
Governor Newsom’s elimination of the arbitrary exclusion of Californians who file their taxes with a federally-issued Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) from the up to $2,982 California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) Tax Credit, and the up to $1,000 Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) is historic. California is only the second state in the country to take action to address this inequity.
The CalEITC, including the YCTC, is one of the most powerful, immediate, and critical tools that the state has to help lift families out of poverty. Yet for several years, those who file their taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) have been left out. Including ITIN filers in the CalEITC and YCTC will provide critical support to over 600,000 individuals, including over 200,000 children, and will target resources most effectively while reducing inequality, stimulating the economy, and counterbalancing recessionary impacts that hit immigrant communities and communities of color the hardest.
Digital Divide Coalition Calls-Out ISPs and Government Officials, and Issues 10-Part Call-To-Action
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Contact: Unai Montes, (Bilingual) 213 476 8742, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">
50 Member Coalition Calls on California’s Leaders to Address the Digital Divide as a Constitutional Crisis and Demand Transparency and Accountability from Internet Service Providers
Organizations Across the State Demand Specific Changes to Private Sector Practices and Public Sector Policies to Connect Every Student In Every Community to Distance Learning, but Caution That Those Who Live in Once Redlined Communities, and Those in “Last Mile” Areas Face Additional Barriers
#DigitalRedlining #DistanceLearning #StudentsRights
[LOS ANGELES, CA] – As students across the Golden State commence the 2020-21 academic year in a near 100 percent distance learning environment, a statewide coalition of 50 education-mission-driven organizations is making direct calls to action to both Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and elected officials.
In a letter addressed to Governor Newsom, Superintendent Thurmond, Senator Leyva, and key lawmakers; the coalition spells-out how ISPs, local education agencies, and decision-makers in the public and private sectors can and should rectify the status quo, and identifies specific policies and practices that should be introduced, as well as ones that must be abolished. For example, the letter illustrates how the free- and reduced-price school meals program already in place can and should serve as a vehicle to connect low-income households without delay. No further action should be required on the part of any student or caregiver for a home Internet connection and hardware to arrive in that student’s hands.
United Ways of California Denounces the Federal Decision to Halt the 2020 Census Count Made in the Wake of an Executive Order that Seeks to Skew Apportionment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Contact: Unai Montes, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 213.476.8742
United Ways of California Joins Over 500 Philanthropic Leaders in Denouncing Federal Decision to Eliminate the Final Month of 2020 Census Operations:
UWCA President and CEO, Peter Manzo, along with grantmaking executives across the United States, wrote to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, and Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham, stating that the decision to stop collecting household data on September 30, (instead of October 31) will prove detrimental to hard-to-count Americans who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic
[Los Angeles, CA] – United Ways of California, the statewide organization supporting California’s network of 30 local United Ways, has called on U.S. Commerce Secretary, Wilbur Ross, and U.S. Census Bureau Director, Steven Dillingham, to rescind their decision to drastically cut short 2020 Census operations, and to restore their commitment to conducting the constitutionally-mandated count through October 31, as previously announced. Peter Manzo, President and CEO of United Ways of California, is joined by the leaders of over 500 nonprofit funders across the country, in calling on the federal government to devote adequate time to the significant enumeration and data processing that remains unfinished. This correspondence reflects an unprecedented consensus among national, state and local grantmakers and philanthropic institutions that have given more than $100 million to help ensure a full and accurate count.
The Administration plans to end not only door-to-door census enumeration, but to close self-response operations as well. Please click here to view the letter and list of signatories.
While Taxes are Due Today United Ways of California Says ‘It May Not be Too Late to Do Your Taxes, for Free, with Expert Guidance’
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 15, 2020
Contact: Unai Montes, (213) 476-8742, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Press READ MORE for Spanish version
United Way offers free tax filing services, guidance and tax credit advice to Californians already struggling with the pandemic and increasing financial insecurity
LOS ANGELES, CA (July 15, 2020) ‒ This past week United Ways of California has been running a Tax Countdown Informational Series in the media to inform low to middle-income hardworking Californians about critical tax information, key deadlines and free solutions at United Way’s MyFreeTaxes.org site. Today (July 15) is the deadline to file a tax return and pay federal taxes. If filers don’t owe taxes above what has been withheld from their paychecks already, they receive an automatic additional extension to file federal and state taxes until October 15. If filers think they owe taxes but aren’t ready to file a return, they must request an extension, or they may be hit with penalties and interest due on the amount owed. In either case, it is still a good idea to file and pay sooner than later.
Several Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, partners, subgrantees, and MyFreeTaxes.org will continue to operate until October 15, 2020. The website helps people get connected to services that provide free, virtual assistance to those who still need to do their taxes. Any immediate tax questions can be answered by calling 1-866-698-9435, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, PST. Additionally, you can text TAXES to 211-211 to get guidance.
“Filing taxes is nobody’s favorite thing, and it’s an especially daunting task during the complexities of COVID-19,” says Peter Manzo, President and CEO of United Ways of California. “We’re trying to break down the information into actionable items so individuals and families don’t lose money through unnecessary interest payments and may even find additional money through tax credits,” Manzo added.
United Ways of California Helps Californian Families Count Down to July 15 Tax Filing Deadline: ‘You May Qualify for Additional Credits; Ask Free Tax Experts’
FOR RELEASE July 14, 2020
Contact: Unai Montes, (213) 476-8742, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For Spanish Version, Click READ More
United Way encourages tax filers with children under 6 to see if they qualify for California’s $1000 Young Child Tax Credit
LOS ANGELES, CA (July 14, 2020) ‒ California United Ways want to inform low to middle-income hardworking families that it is still not too late to file 2019 taxes for the impending July 15* federal deadline and they may even be able to receive additional money with state credits like the Young Child Tax Credit. This tax credit enables those who qualify for another tax credit, California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), and have a child under the age of 6 as of the end of the tax year to receive an additional $1,000 credit. Families can claim this credit by filing or amending a state income tax return. United Way’s MyFreeTaxes.org hotline and texting options provide several ways to aid Californians with their taxes in a free, quick, and trustworthy way. Any immediate questions pertaining to tax filing can be answered by calling 1-866-698-9435, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., PST, Monday through Friday. Additional tax guidance can be found by texting Taxes to 211-211.
Research shows that families who receive additional tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, have, who do better in school, and are more likely to attend college, and earn more as adults.
“The Young Children’s Tax Credit can make a crucial difference for lower-income and vulnerable families,” said Peter Manzo, President and CEO of United Ways of California. “Especially during this difficult-to-navigate pandemic, we want to spread the word so that as many families as possible claim the credits they deserve.
Many families also may not realize they can file retroactively for up to three years of refundable credits that they did not claim in prior years,” Manzo added. The extension for filing this year applies retroactively, so you can get the help you need to file your returns for 2019, 2018, 2017, and even 2016.
To schedule a virtual visit to complete taxes with the help of a volunteer tax preparer, click here.
United Ways of California Helps Californians Count Down to July 15 Tax Filing Deadline: ‘Know the Facts; File for Free’
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 13, 2020
Contact: Unai Montes, (213) 476-8742, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Spanish Version is available when clicking READ MORE.
United Way “Tax Preparation Checklist” helps tax filers better prepare and file their taxes virtually with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders
LOS ANGELES, CA (July 13, 2020) ‒ California United Ways and partner Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs across the state are making their services available virtually, for hard-working, low to middle-income California workers who have just a few remaining days to file their taxes before the extended deadline of July 15, 2020.* United Way’s MyFreeTaxes.org, a hotline, and texting options provide several ways to aid Californians with their taxes in a free, quick, and trustworthy way. Any immediate questions pertaining to tax filing can be answered by calling 866-698-9435, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. PST. Additional guidance can be found by texting TAXES to 211-211.
“With COVID-19, in-person tax appointments might be unsettling for high-risk individuals, or visits may have been postponed while trying to wait out the climbing number of positive cases,” said Peter Manzo, President and CEO of United Ways of California. “United Ways wants Californians to know the facts, to get informed and to explore all their options for a free, safe, and virtual option, that in many cases can help you find additional sources of income through tax credits,” Manzo added.
To schedule a virtual visit, click here. Proceed through the dialogue box and enter in the required information to set up your virtual vita appointment.
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- 2020-21 State Budget Deal: CalEITC Coalition Statement
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