President Obamas 2011 Budget and the Changing Policy Landscape for Asset-Building Opportunities

Asset ownership plays a central role in the economic security of American families and the broader economy. Yet one of the most notable features of our current policy paradigm is inequity. Through targeted tax breaks, affluent families are given many opportunities to save and build wealth, while those with fewer resources are largely excluded.

However, legislation enacted in the wake of the economic downturn and new policy proposals released in the Presidents budget promise to change the landscape in significant ways. These include the Auto IRA proposal increases access to savings plans, the expansion of the Saver's Credit to make it more meaningful to lower-income workers, and the reform of asset limit rules that determine eligibility for public assistance programs so they encourage, rather than discourage, saving.

How does the Federal government encourage the accumulation of assets and in what forms? Who benefits from these programs? How will President Obama's new plans change the status quo? What can be done to help Americans move up the ladder of opportunity?

http://www.newamerica.net/events/2010/president_obamas_2011_budget

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News & Politics

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• Domestic
• Policy
• Assets
• Asset
• Building
• Obama
• Savings
• College
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• Retirement
• Report