Date: Thursday, July 16, 2020, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT
Location: Unique Zoom link delivered upon registration.
Seven states have adopted statewide, automatic Child Development Account (CDA) policies, all using the state 529 savings plan as the financial platform. More states are considering a CDA policy, and some city and local CDA initiatives use 529s.
Policymakers, researchers, and practitioners gathered virtually to share new CDA research and statewide-policy designs. Key leaders implementing CDA legislation discussed the positive impacts of CDAs on children and families—especially financially vulnerable ones—during and after the pandemic. The virtual conference focused on CDA policies that use the state 529 as the financial platform.
AGENDA AND SUGGESTED READINGS
9:00-9:20 CT | WELCOMES
Michael Sherraden, Founding Director, Center for Social Development (CSD), Washington University
Scott Fitzpatrick, Missouri State Treasurer
INTRODUCE THE CONFERENCE
Margaret Clancy, Policy Director, CSD, Washington University
9:25-10:25 CT | MOMENTUM IN STATE CDA LEGISLATION
While COVID-19 has prevented Missouri and other state CDA legislation from passing this year, interest remains very strong for the next legislative session. This panel features key leaders from states that have passed or are working to implement CDA policies.
Moderator: Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick
Panelists: Michael Frerichs, Illinois State Treasurer; John Murante, Nebraska State Treasurer; Joe Torsella, Pennsylvania State Treasurer
Co-moderator: Brandon Alexander, Missouri State Treasurer’s Office
Child Development Accounts at Scale: Sample State Legislation (CSD Policy Summary No. 19-46)
10:25-10:40 CT | Break
10:45-11:45 CT | CDA RESEARCH FINDINGS AND POLICY IMPACTS
An expert panel of researchers present the developments in CDA research and the impact on CDA policies and programs.
Moderator: Michael Sherraden, CSD
Panelists: William Elliott III, University of Michigan (PowerPoint); Jin Huang, St. Louis University (PowerPoint); Trina Shanks, University of Michigan (PowerPoint)
Co-moderator: Sondra Beverly, CSD
SEED for Oklahoma Kids Wave 3: Extending Rigorous Research and a Successful Policy Model (CSD Research Brief No. 19-06)
11:45-12:30 CT | Break
12:30-1:30 CT | THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTNERSHIPS IN CDA SUCCESS
Public and private partnerships can provide resources, funding, and experience for the design and implementation of CDAs, and build assets for all children. This panel includes state leaders whose partnerships make their CDA policies effective.
Moderator: Margaret Clancy, CSD (PowerPoint)
Panelists: Fernando Diaz, Illinois State Treasurer’s Office; Julio Martinez, ScholarShare 529 (PowerPoint); Julie Peachey, Pennsylvania Treasury (PowerPoint); Colleen Quint, Alfond Scholarship Foundation (PowerPoint)
Co-moderator: Linda English, TIAA – Tuition Financing, Inc.
Statewide Child Development Accounts and Local Partnerships: A Scalable Model that Can Include All Children (CSD Policy Brief No. 19-45)
1:35-2:35 CT | ASSETS FOR ALL CHILDREN: OUTREACH AND INCLUSION OF DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES
This panel features stakeholders directly engaged in rural and urban outreach for CDAs, the importance of saving, and asset building for educational success. Best practices for full inclusion in CDAs will be presented and discussed.
Moderator: Benita Melton, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
Panelists: Jody Blaylock Chong, Heartland Alliance; Phil Maurizi, Indiana Youth Institute; Angela Williams, Ascensus Government Savings
Co-moderator: Arielle Milton, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
Financially Vulnerable Families Reap Multiple Benefits From Child Development Accounts (CSD Research Brief No. 19-40)
2:45-3:40 CT | CDA POLICIES AND COVID–19
What impact does COVID-19 have on CDA policies currently? What lessons can we learn from the Great Recession regarding crisis and CDA policy? What are the challenges and potential going forward?
Moderator: Michael Bibilos, Ascensus Government Savings
Panelists: Ray Boshara, St. Louis Federal Reserve (PowerPoint); Margaret Clancy, CSD (PowerPoint); Jason Purnell, Washington University (PowerPoint)
Co-moderator: Mary Compton, Missouri State Treasurer’s Office
Child Development Accounts in the COVID-19 Crisis: Lessons from the Great Recession (CSD Research and Policy Report No. 20-11)
3:45-4:00 CT | WRAP UP
Michael Sherraden, CSD
This event is co-hosted by the Center for Social Development at Washington University in St. Louis and the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office.
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