We Partner With Policymakers

Advancing Financial Security Through Policy Change

Government plays a critical role in advancing financial security and opportunity for all. Addressing market gaps, creating equitable incentives, and assuring consumer protection are roles uniquely suited for policymakers. 

81% of working Americans see financial insecurity as a major problem.

COMMONWEALTH PERCEPTION SURVEY, 2020

In order to develop policies and systems that advance financial security and opportunity for everyone, especially Americans living on low-to-moderate incomes (LMI), we work with policymakers and government agencies to enact thoughtful, targeted solutions with employers, financial institutions, and other organizations at scale.

Commonwealth’s research and practical experience provides policymakers with access to original research and informed perspectives into what works to support household financial security. We provide the latest data-based evidence on proven and promising practices to enable them to advocate for impactful changes and move legislation that will advance financial security for those who need it most.

Our policy work has resulted in three changes to the tax code in order to enable Americans to save part of their tax refund—the largest windfall most families see all year. 

Further, our collaboration with the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau spurred policy guidance that opens the door for employers to enact Autosave (automatic payroll deductions into emergency savings accounts). In 2021, our policy work contributed to crucial changes to the tax code and helped raise awareness so that as many families as possible benefited from the changes.

We also work with state and local governments. For example, we have partnered with the City of Boston on workplace savings programs and children’s savings accounts (CSAs). 

Our work with policymakers reaches communities of financially vulnerable constituents, providing them with greater access to tools and opportunities to save and build wealth.

Partner With Us

If you are a policymaker or government agency, contact us to explore how we might collaborate and how our research may move forward critical legislative opportunities to improve financial security and opportunity for all.

How We Collaborate With Partners

  • Partner on research-backed innovation testing and pilot programs;
  • Conduct original quantitative and qualitative research of your workers and/or customers;
  • Advise on financial security best practices to leverage our research and insights;
  • Amplify our partnership, learnings and results through media campaigns
  • Develop scaling strategies to extend the reach of solutions; and
  • Join us in conversation as a speaker, panelist or participant in Commonwealth-sponsored events.