Program Overview
Economic Security for All (EcSA) is a state funding stream for Workforce Development focused on poverty prevention and reduction. It enhances and aligns existing programs and resources in local workforce systems across the state to move individuals from poverty, or at risk of falling into poverty, to self- sufficiency.
Unique design elements
Every EcSA participant receives:
- A customized career plan to reach their own self-sufficiency goal (SSG), using the University of Washington Self-Sufficiency Calculator. Based on the customer’s need, this includes education and training, subsidized employment, direct job entry, and other services.
- Coordinated access to a broad array of education, workforce and social services using a bundled services model.
- No other poverty program requires every participant to receive these two services.
Impact
July 2023-June 2025
- In the two years since EcSA was codified into law, the combined results show a positive impact on our most vulnerable Washingtonians: 6,634 job seekers were served statewide by EcSA
- Over 1,400 job seekers moved to self-sufficiency, saving taxpayers roughly $30,000 per individual
- 5 months is the average time for participants to be in the program
- $2,925.96 is the average per-person cost to provide services
- $47,840 median wage upon completion compared to below $10,000 at enrollment
- 54% BIPOC population participation
- 11% unhoused customer participation
Taxpayers and budget writers see an immediate return on investment. These are the annual returns and savings:
- For every $1.00 the state invests in EcSA the state gets a return of $2.64
- $25,348,575 - Total estimated return generated by EcSA July 2024-June 2025 from a $9.6 million investment in Local Workforce Development Boards
- $2,690,439 - Total estimated increase in sales tax revenue generated by EcSA July 2024-June 2025
- $22,658,136 - Total estimated benefit savings for the state generated by EcSA July 2024-June 2025
The US Department of Labor has recognized EcSA as a best practice.
State Reports
Accountability is built into EcSA. Annual reporting ensures the program is meeting its goals to help EcSA participants reach self-sufficiency, as well as codifies multi-agency work in coordination with the Poverty Reduction Steering Committee, the legislative executive work-first poverty reduction oversight task force, to measure indicators of yearly progress toward poverty reduction, reducing income inequality and achieving an equitable and just economy.