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TANF Reauthorization Update
Congress Postpones Welfare Reauthorization (TANF) Again!
Although welfare was due to be reauthorized by Congress last year, the hot & heavy debates have continually postponed final action. A Continuing Resolution extended TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) through June 30, 2003 and with the Senate Finance Committee preoccupied with tax cuts and prescription drugs, there has been very little movement on TANF.
With June 30th fast approaching, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to extend TANF once more (HR 2350), extending the existing program through September 2003. This provides an additional three months of life support for TANF and continues financing for a host of TANF and poverty related programs, including childcare and transitional medical assistance. It is expected that the Senate will take up the issue in earnest after the July 4th recess and that Congress will soon resolve such key issues such as what the work requirement should be and how much more child care funding states will receive.
ACTION: Continue to call your Congressperson and Senators (Specter and Santorum). Tell them you don’t want the work requirements in TANF to be increased.
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