Alliance_news

IRS: Cathy Flynn – Real Economic Impact Tour handout. IRS presented/United Way/National League of Cities/National Disability Institute. Fact Sheet – SPEC Disability Initiative – Coalitions should include disability initiatives.

SNHU: Manchester was represented – but Mayor Guinta was unable to attend. Tobey Partch-Davies has lots of disability pamphlets – statewide distribution. Tobey talked about MEAD.

They will have this Summit again.

3. Reports from National Community Tax Coalitions Conference in LA:

Cary Gladstone, Judy Woodward, Cathy Haigh, Wayne Croteau, and Val Long

Val Long – EITC and tax preparation at businesses. Discussed meetings attended on this topic. One of the speakers was William Hoffmire, Center on Business and Poverty at the University of Wisconsin. Val contacted Dr. Hoffmire to ask him if he could work with us in NH, and he responded that he would be glad to.

Cary Gladstone – Asset building – Splitting refunds (www.splitrefunds.net) Retirement Savers Contribution Credit – need to talk about in money management classes. (Cathy Flynn - mentioned that Maine has a greeter, tax prep., and coach (for asset building) – The coach connects < tax prep.

Judy Woodward and Cathy Haigh - Site Coordination – both Judy and Cathy

discussed what they learned at the conference regarding site coordination.

This conference is an important learning opportunity for anyone who is new

at site coordination.

Wayne Croteau – Immigration – Wayne discussed the various workshops he

attended that dealt with immigration.

4. Hitting the Ground Running…How Are the Coalitions Doing?

Manchester Community Resource Center: Torey Kortz– Discussed the National RAL Project with Chase Bank. This year, their goal for the GMABC is to prepare 700 returns. Torey handed out H&R Block fundraiser. New members – United Way, Members Credit Union, Weed and Seed Coordinator, and Families in Transition are doing great! Recruited 21 committed volunteers (19 prep. and 2 greeters), scheduled training sessions, and have returning volunteers. Adding Sundays to their schedule. Opening January 27th (Sat). Asset building menu – laminated with colorful logos with community service organization and what they do/provide. Will have products at the front desk. Will share the menu. One of their strategies is to use plain language when talking about asset building, and not using the term asset building.

The Family Resource Center@ Gorham: Judy Woodward – Nine volunteers getting trained. Will buy additional lap top to accommodate their clients. Longer time periods with fewer days and adding Saturdays. Started financial literacy coalition – United Way, UNH CE, and banks. Focusing on financial education – starting early. Financial literacy tool kit which includes credit reports. Going to Rotary to talk about EITC and giving them stuffers for employees.

Franklin ABC: Cary Gladstone - PR materials out – Rotary and Business Professionals. Casey will be doing some matching (as well as Franklin Savings). Marilyn Sullivan will be doing credit checks. Ten people completed the class. Have a good variety of PR materials. New location – Franklin Middle School, is opening on Saturday, February 3rd – all four Saturdays.

LARC: Wayne Croteau will be doing eviction prevention.

Nashua ABC: Engaged Chamber of Commerce. Three sites (including Triangle 1/27 – paid staff) all walk in sites. January 31st start date.

5. Predatory Lending

Jon Baird, Esq. NH Legal Assistance spoke to the group about predatory lending. He has been active in the area of predatory lending and submitted legislation to cap the interest on loans.