House To Consider Modified TANF Extension: Calls Needed In Opposition!
March 4, 2004
Background
On February 26, Representative Wally Herger (R-CA) introduced a bill (H.R. 3848) to extend the TANF program through June 30, 2004 . All previous extensions, including the current extension which runs through March 31, have been straight-forward continuations of current law and funding. However, H.R. 3848 would drastically increase the work participation rates states must meet in order to avoid federal penalties.
The legislation would modify the current caseload reduction credit, which has allowed states to meet federal work participation rates, in a way that would make it much more difficult for states to continue to serve families in need of additional supports and services. The caseload reduction credit would be revised to be calculated from FY 2001, which marked the beginning of the recession, and the beginning of caseload increases in many states. An analysis by Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) found that 41 states would be forced to increase their participation rates by FY 2006. Thirteen states plus the District of Columbia would have to more than double their rates to avoid penalties. A list of how states would fare under the new requirements follows.
No new funding -- either for child care or welfare-to-work preparation -- accompanies the higher work participation requirements. With states struggling with budget shortfalls, increasing the number of parents in work activities will be extremely difficult. Families, particularly those with the most severe barriers to employment, will be the biggest losers.
ACTION NEEDED
Calls to ALL members of the House of Representatives -- particularly those representing states in which participation rates would need to be doubled (over 100% in list below). All members can be reached through the Capitol Switchboard at 1-202-225-3121. Ask to be connected to your Representative's office. Or find your legislator's direct telephone numbers or e-mail address on NASW's Congress Web: http://63.66.87.48/cweb4/index.cfm?orgcode=NASW
Timing
The House is expected to take up the bill the week of March 8, but action could be delayed.
Message
I am a constituent from (city, state) and a social worker who is concerned about H.R. 3848 -- a bill to extend the current TANF program. Its provision to significantly increase our state's participation rates would hurt current efforts to assist families with multiple barriers make the difficult transition to employment. I urge the Congress(man/woman) to vote against H.R. 3848 and instead support a clean extension of the current program.
Required Increase in Participation Rates by 2006 under H.R. 3848
- Over 500%: Georgia , Maryland , Oregon
- Over 300%: Delaware , Pennsylvania
- Over 200%: District of Columbia , Puerto Rico
- Over 100%: Arkansas , Mississippi , Nebraska , Nevada , Texas , Vermont , Virginia , West Virginia
- 50% - 100%: Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah
- 25% - 50%: Alabama , Colorado , Connecticut , Kansas , Kentucky , Montana
- 0% - 25%: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
THANKS FOR YOUR ADVOCACY!
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