National Urban League Urges Leaders to Adopt "Affordability For All Agenda" During State of the Urban League Address

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE URGES ELECTED LEADERS TO ADOPT ITS “AFFORDABILITY FOR ALL AGENDA” DURING STATE OF THE URBAN LEAGUE ADDRESS

Comprehensive policy agenda calls for higher wages, affordable housing, affordable broadband, strengthened family supports, and relief from rising consumer costs

NASHVILLE, TN — Today, the National Urban League called on elected officials at every level of government to embrace its “Affordability for All Agenda,” a bold policy framework designed to address the rising cost of living and restore the promise of economic opportunity for working families across America.

During the annual State of the Urban League Address, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial warned that millions of Americans are struggling to afford basic necessities as the costs of housing, health care, education, child care, groceries, transportation, and internet access continue to outpace household budgets.

"For generations, Americans believed that hard work, responsibility, and community engagement would provide a path to stability and prosperity," Morial said. "Today, that promise feels increasingly out of reach for millions of families. The American Dream does not need to be reinvented. It needs to be restored."

Morial emphasized that today's affordability crisis is not inevitable, but the result of policy choices that have favored wealth accumulation at the top while leaving working families increasingly burdened by rising costs. NUL’s Affordability for All Agenda presents a practical roadmap to reduce costs, expand opportunity, and strengthen economic mobility.

The Affordability for All Agenda urges policymakers to pursue five core priorities:

Establish a National Living Wage

The National Urban League is calling for an increase in the federal minimum wage and automatic indexing to inflation to ensure that workers' earnings keep pace with the rising cost of living. No one working full-time should live in poverty and that higher wages are essential to building economic stability for working families.

Repeal and Replace the "Big Ugly Bill"

League is urging Congress to restore investments in health care, education, student aid, nutrition assistance, and other critical programs that help families achieve economic security and upward mobility. Strengthening these supports would help millions of Americans build a stronger financial foundation.

Make Housing Affordability a National Priority

Recognizing housing as the single largest expense for most households, the Affordability for All Agenda calls for universal housing vouchers for eligible families and a significant expansion of affordable housing supply through a robust national Housing Trust Fund. Addressing housing costs is essential to reducing financial strain and expanding pathways to homeownership.

Restore Affordable Broadband Access

The agenda calls for the reestablishment and strengthening of the Affordable Connectivity Program, arguing that broadband internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity for work, education, health care, and civic participation. Ensuring affordable internet access would help every family fully participate in today's economy and society.

End Inflationary Tariffs That Increase Consumer Costs

The League also is calling for an end to tariffs that raise prices on everyday goods and place additional financial burdens on households already struggling with rising costs. Trade policies, the organization argues, should strengthen American competitiveness while protecting families' purchasing power.

"This is about dignity, opportunity, and whether hard work still provides a pathway to a stable and secure life," Morial said. "It is about whether young people can envision owning a home and raising a family, whether seniors can retire with confidence, and whether workers can achieve economic mobility without constantly worrying about the next bill."

Morial urged elected officials, business leaders, and community advocates to work together in support of policies that make life more affordable for the people who keep the nation running every day