Alexandria, VA (3/8/2024) - In response to the 2024 State of the Union address, United Way Worldwide CEO and President, Angela F. Williams, released the following statement.
"Last night, the President’s State of the Union address touched upon many important issues facing our country. He outlined his Administration’s policy solutions that make sure all Americans have the opportunity to thrive, like lowering health care costs, increasing access to pre-school, and investments in our infrastructure and broadband access. These are the same issues that United Ways see in communities across the United States. We are seeing this firsthand through the United Way-supported 211 Network. These dedicated operators respond to approximately 42,000 people a day, many of whom are requesting assistance with basic needs such as housing, food, transportation, or health care.
The President outlined our growing economy and the benefits it is having for families around the nation. However, many families are still struggling. ‘Shrinkflation’ has shoppers paying more money for fewer groceries and smaller portions, while the dearth in affordable housing options has forced homebuyers out of the market and into temporary shelters, despite the economic upswing. Natural disasters and extreme weather events are getting worse every year and hitting the most vulnerable communities the hardest. Nonprofits like United Way are filling the gap between public and private resources—but more sustainable solutions are needed, and now.
The President’s address illustrated there is still a lot of work to get done. We are calling on Congress and the President to build off their bipartisan success and work together to pass important pieces of legislation that will help families. We hope Congress will pass the bipartisan HELP Act – legislation to make services like 211 available to more people across the country in their time of need. We also hope the Senate will come together to pass the bipartisan legislation to expand the Child Tax Credit. This legislation will help bridge the gap for parents who are struggling to make ends meet. These are down payments that can help address the problems that families are facing nationwide. Working together Congress and the President can help struggling Americans and move our country forward."