Spotlight on Assets: The Future of Economic Security for all Illinoisans

Abstract

Wages and household income are important indicators used to define and assess poverty, but they are only part of the picture of an individual or a family's economic stability or vulnerability. In most cases, it is a person's assets -- a home, a savings account, a retirement account, or even a college degree -- that provide the foundation for solid economic standing. **The challenge facing Illinois and our nation as a whole is to expand existing asset-building opportunities to benefit all people, particularly those most in need. Given the current realities of poverty in Illinois, there is an ongoing need for government involvement in promoting asset-building strategies