Basic Needs: Our platform

Our position: All people must be able to connect with human services in times of crisis with the greatest possible efficiency. All people have the right to food, clothing, shelter and healthcare. Chronically unemployed individuals and people experiencing recent unemployment must have access to training that prepares them for jobs in the future economy. More of Michigan’s gas tax dollars need to be returned to our state to support our transportation system.

Facts to support our position:

• In March of 2006, Michigan had the second highest unemployment rate in the country. In 2005, roughly 8 percent of suburban residents in Southeast Michigan were unemployed- up from 4 percent in 1999.

• In 2005, approximately 540,000 individuals were living in poverty in the tri-county area

• Since 2001, the number of individuals receiving state food assistance in the tri-county area has grown by 66 percent, which translates into roughly 200,000 individuals.

Our strategy:

• Promote increased federal funding of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program for southeastern Michigan.

• Monitor and support federal and state healthcare legislation and activities including the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.

• Advocate for federal earmarks that will allow United Way to help individuals gain access to job training that prepares individuals for the future economy.

• Support increased return of federal and state gas tax dollars for allocation to Michigan’s transportation system.

To learn more about United Way’s other work in Basic Needs visit www.uwsem.org.