Millions to the Middle - Executive Summary
Three Strategies to Expand the Middle Class
August 30, 2004
By David Callahan, Tamara Draut, and Javier SIlva

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A concise executive summary of "Millions to the Middle", a report on the future of economic security in the New Economy, offers long-range ideas for creating tomorrow's vibrant middle class, in the areas of higher education, income, debt and assets.

Policy Ideas Based in Common Sense Values:

Work Should Be Rewarded.
We must take steps to ensure that anyone who works full-time will be rewarded with a minimally decent standard of living -- one that reflects the true cost of living in different parts of the United States.

Self-improvement Should Be Possible.
We must take steps to ensure that anyone who wishes to invest in their future through college or vocational training will not be stopped by financial barriers.

Thrift and Planning Should Be Encouraged.
We must create a society where all Americans have the ability to put away savings for the future, pay down debt and own a home.

We Are All in This Together.
Public policy has a vital role to play in creating the conditions whereby motivated individuals can secure middle class success for themselves and their families.