TANF legislation

Hello,

One of the novice case areas this year for CX was re-evaluating TANF. Here is an article I received about potential new legislation, cut from Poverty Action Network:

"TAKE ACTION: TANF must work for working families

We all hope that if we face a job loss, become disabled or want to gain more skills, we will have support and opportunities. In this time of economic crisis, strong social support systems like TANF are more important than ever to help families meet their basic needs and lay the foundation for economic recovery. TANF is a program that provides basic cash assistance for parents and their dependent children who have incomes so low that they are not able to meet their basic needs.



In order to find work and help rebuild our state's economy, parents must have access to education and training, as well as childcare they can rely on. Several forward-thinking lawmakers are looking to redesign and improve our state's TANF program. House Bill (HB) 3141 would create more training and education options for recipients, as well as authorize 12 months of childcare for parents who participate in federally-funded Head Start programs or in our state's Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP). Currently the TANF program has limited opportunities for education and only authorizes parents to receive two or three months of childcare. HB 3141 is scheduled for a hearing tomorrow in the Senate Human Services and Corrections Committee. Your lawmakers must hear from you TODAY.

Send your lawmakers a message or call them toll-free at 1-800-562-6000 and tell them that "In this economy, parents on TANF should have more access to education and training, as well as childcare they can rely on. Please support HB 3141."