Featured: Maria Nunez speaking at a press conference. Photo is property of United Way of CT.

Project Overview

This semester, the Family Finance group at the Liberal Arts Action Lab collaborated with the United Way of CT to explore the financial landscapes of Hartford residents. Through interviews conducted at the Trinfo VITA Tax Clinic, situated at the heart of Trinity’s campus, the team engaged with community members to assess the potential benefits of a permanent Child Tax Credit. Alongside these interviews, the group created multimedia content to amplify the voices of Hartford residents, including a poignant two-minute video featuring the challenges faced by a lifelong resident. Leveraging various platforms, including engagements with Connecticut Congress, press conferences, and news interviews, the team aimed to raise awareness about the proposed Child Tax Credit.

The research underscores the unanimous support among the interviewed Hartford residents (n=22) for a permanent, fully refundable Connecticut Child Tax Credit, shedding light on the financial hardships faced by families in the region. Our findings revealed several key themes, including Financial Constraints, Financial Strategies, the Importance of Having a Support System, Structural Issues/Expectations for the Government, and Perspectives on the Child Tax Credit. Based on these themes, the Family Finance group made recommendations to address these challenges, advocating for policies that alleviate financial burdens, strengthen support networks, and address structural inequalities.

Research Questions

-What are the specific financial constraints faced by low-income families in Hartford, and how do these constraints impact their ability to meet basic needs and plan for the future?

-How do Hartford residents employ financial strategies to navigate economic challenges, and what role does access to support systems play in mitigating financial hardships?

-How do Hartford residents perceive the potential impact of a permanent, fully refundable Connecticut Child Tax Credit on their financial well-being, and what are their expectations regarding its implementation and effectiveness in addressing their financial needs?

Research Plan

Our Community Partner

United Way of CT is the CT branch of the national nonprofit, United Way. Their mission is to “help the people of Connecticut to thrive through trusted partnerships and innovative solutions”. One of these trusted partnerships is with United for ALICE. Together, they have worked to make Connecticut a better place for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) families. These are the families that work hard and make smart choices yet still struggle to pay for necessities. Part of this work has been supporting a CT Child Tax Credit. In their push for this new legislation, they have found that those well-off struggle to understand what ALICE families go through on a day-to-day basis. So, they tasked us with getting on the ground and interviewing Connecticuts families about their financial situation and opinions on a potential tax credit. They also asked us to make a video showing the struggles of an ALICE family to help people understand the struggles of an ALICE life.