U.S. Congressman Blake Moore (R-Utah) introduced legislation to enhance work supports for Americans receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
The Restoring Temporary to TANF Act would require that states set aside 25% of federal TANF dollars to spend on core work activities, including: work supports, education and training, apprenticeships, non-recurrent short-term benefits, work activities, and case management for TANF individual responsibility plans. TANF grant requirements would only apply to federal dollars and leave state funds to the discretion of each state.
“Once again, Utah is a model for how we responsibly spend our federal funding allocations,” said Congressman Blake Moore. “Utah’s current prioritization of work supports has allowed our state to make significant investments with federal TANF dollars and empower families to find independence and thrive. The Restoring Temporary to TANF Act is a step in the right direction to restore economic freedom, strengthen our economy, and get Americans back to work.”
Background:
The TANF block grant program was intended to provide temporary aid for single parent households, promote independence through work, job preparation, and training, and encourage two-parent households. However, instead of promoting financial independence through work, program dollars have been allocated via direct checks without adequate support and workforce training that would allow families to no longer rely on TANF.
