Heller research helps Massachusetts officials who want to help families move up the economic ladder

Tom Shapiro

Last week Massachusetts state officials released a report supported by Heller research that recommends broad changes to eligibility requirements for public assistance. The Institute on Assets and Social Policy, directed by professor Tom Shapiro, prepared the report, “Removing Barriers, Building Futures,” for the Massachusetts Asset Development Commission. The report recommends ways to better assist low- and moderate-income families to build and retain assets. It was released at a State House event with Governor Deval Patrick and legislative leaders June 25.

The Boston Globe published a news story and an editorial about the report’s promising policy and programmatic changes to move families up the economic ladder.

The Institute on Assets and Social Policy is a research institute at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University, dedicated to promoting a better understanding of how assets and asset-building opportunities improve the well-being and financial stability of individuals and families left out of the economic mainstream.