About CLIP

MISSION

The Coalition for Low Income Pennsylvanians (CLIP, or Coalition) is a statewide coalition of organizations working together to reduce child and family poverty by initiating and promoting public policies that achieve fair and equitable treatment of and support for low income children and their families, particularly relating to the “Temporary Assistance for Needy Families” (TANF). We work to lessen the effects of poverty and to ensure that low-income families can more readily move toward self-sufficiency, supported by policies that endorse and reward education and training, personal commitment to overcoming barriers impeding self-sufficiency, and retained employment with prospective wages and benefits that can sustain families.

While the primary focus of The CLIP is directed toward effective, responsible and fair TANF policies, it recognizes that there are inherent limitations to TANF singly achieving the ultimate goal of reduced child and family poverty. Therefore, as requested by key stakeholders and coalitions already active around an issue, the CLIP also will work in partnership with those stakeholders and coalitions to advance fiscal and programmatic policies (public and private) that recognize and effectively address the complex and inter-related needs of families striving to move beyond poverty toward self-sufficiency and family well-being.

The Coalition also recognizes and remains committed to families facing multiple and/or significant life and health challenges that necessitate their connection to public supports for an extended period of time.

PRINCIPLES

Pennsylvania is better and stronger as it upholds the dignity of individuals and the integrity of families, reduces and alleviates the effects of poverty, protects the interests of children, educates and trains its workforce, and provides opportunities for sustained self-sufficiency.

CLIP affirms a shared responsibility of all Pennsylvanians in reducing and, where possible, eradicating poverty and the medical, social, educational, training, and behavioral health barriers that impede a persons’ progress in attaining greater self-sufficiency.

Together — as a coalition of parents, religious leaders, community-based organizations, employers, labor, providers, advocates, and other concerned citizens, we advocate for policies and programs which move families and individuals out of poverty and reduce the effects of poverty on children and families.