1. BEST The Basic Economic Security Tables for Connecticut September 28, 2012 Natasha M. Pierre, JD, MSW PCSW Policy & Legislative Director

2. What is BEST? A calculation of what is needed at minimum to live in CT without government support. Assumes you are debt free!

3. What is BEST? Includes: Basic needs – Housing, Utilities, Food, Transportation, Personal and Household Items, Healthcare, Childcare Emergency and Retirement savings Assets - Children’s Higher Education at community college level to start and Homeownership

4. What is BEST? It is broken down by the 5 Connecticuts: Urban Core – lowest income, highest poverty, and highest population density; ex: Bridgeport Urban Periphery – below average income, average poverty, and high population density; ex: Norwich Suburban – above average income, low poverty, and moderate population density; ex: Cheshire Wealthy – exceptionally high income, low poverty, and moderate population density; ex: Westport Rural – average income, below average poverty, and lowest population density; ex: North Stonington See for 5 Connecticut details - http://ctsdc.uconn.edu/projections/5cts.html

5. Average Income Needed in Connecticut* One Worker: $17.61/hr or $37,188/yr With two children: $33.49/hr or $70,728/yr Two Workers: $11.86/hr or $50,112/yr With two children: $19.61/hr or $82,848/yr * All of this information in this presentation assumes employment-based benefits, such as health insurance and retirement assistance; Also assumes no existing debt. Tables in Appendix G

6. Income Needed in Rural CT (North Stonington) One Worker: $15.31/hr or $32,328/yr With two children: $29.49/hr or $62,292/yr Two Workers: $10.70/hr or $45,192/yr With two children: $17.48/hr or $73,824/yr

7. Income Needed in Suburban CT (Cheshire) One Worker: $17.33/hr or $36,600/yr With two children: $33.44/hr or $70,632/yr Two Workers: $11.71/hr or $49,464/yr With two children: $19.57/hr or $82,680/yr

8. Income Needed in Urban Core CT (Bridgeport) One Worker: $17.28/hr or $36,492/yr With two children: $33.32/hr or $70,368/yr Two Workers: $11.76/hr or $49,680/yr With two children: $19.60/hr or $82,776/yr

9. Income Needed in Urban Periphery CT (Norwich) One Worker: $17.83/hr or $37,656/yr With two children: $34.03/hr or $71,880/yr Two Workers: $11.95/hr or $50,496/yr With two children: $19.91/hr or $84,096/yr

10. Income Needed in Wealthy CT (Westport) One Worker: $22.33/hr or $47,160/yr With two children: $41.07/hr or $86,748/yr Two Workers: $14.10/hr or $59,544/yr With two children: $23.17/hr or $97,872/yr