cover image: Written Comments in Response to House Committee on Ways and Means Hearing on Reforming Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Written Comments in Response to House Committee on Ways and Means Hearing on Reforming Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

30 Oct 2024

This comment follows the House Committee on Ways and Means Hearing on Reforming Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): States' Misuse of Welfare Funds Leaves Poor Families Behind, held on September 24, 2024. Hahn argues that using TANF funds for activities seemingly unrelated to the program's core goals, even if technically legal, undermines the integrity of TANF. The comment also provides supporting evidence that parents with low incomes have intrinsic motivations for employment, that TANF work requirements can be counterproductive, and that shifting TANF funding to the broader workforce development system could leave recipient families behind. Drawing on Hahn's expertise in TANF policy and practice, the comment offers evidence-based recommendations on how access to and accountability for TANF block grant funds can better ensure the program supports employment and children in need.
center on labor, human services, and population social safety net economic well-being assistance for women and children families with low incomes temporary assistance for needy families (tanf)

Authors

Heather Hahn

Pages
4
Published in
United States of America