Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) examined the effectiveness of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program in addressing the growing challenges facing women in poverty during a Finance Committee hearing on September 21 and questioned experts on options for improving the program as the Committee considers reauthorization of TANF, which expires on September 30, 2010. Several hearings will be convened to consider reauthorization of the TANF program, the first hearing focused on the needs of women and children. Baucus heard from witnesses about the unique needs of women, which is particularly significant given that single mothers comprise 85 percent of families receiving TANF assistance. At the hearing, Baucus examined ways to promote the program’s effectiveness in reducing poverty. He questioned the witnesses about how work participation requirements can be improved to better fit the needs of those in the program. He also looked at ways to eliminate hurdles preventing those who are eligible from receiving TANF benefits. With more than one in three single mothers living in poverty, Baucus urged that now was not the time to allow these benefits to expire. The TANF Emergency Fund was also discussed as means for helping individuals secure jobs during a major recession. Baucus emphasized the importance of wage assistance and transitional jobs, which are supported by the Emergency Contingency Fund, in helping both TANF recipients and small businesses to realize financial stability. Sen. Baucus’ “Job Creation and Tax Cuts Act,” introduced on September 16, was read for the second time in Congress on September 20 and has been placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar.
About Kay Casey
Kay Casey has over 20 years of experience in federal and state child welfare policy and programs, having worked for the federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the Florida Department of Children and Families prior to joining PCG. She is responsible for the review and assessment of fiscal processing systems that impact a state’s ability to identify, document, and report expenditures for federal reporting purposes accompanied with the programmatic impact on the state’s system of care.
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