WASHINGTON SAYS TANF RULES WILL PUSH MORE FAMILIES INTO POVERTY

          HARRISBURG, June 23 – State Senator LeAnna M. Washington (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) said today that new TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) work rules that Pennsylvania must comply with by October 1 “will push more families and children into poverty.” 

          Pennsylvania as well as states across the nation are bracing for the impact of the new TANF rules as a result of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA). The DRA requires states to have fifty percent of adults receiving assistance, and ninety percent of two-parent households receiving assistance, to be engaged in a set of work defined activities.

          “A lot of poor families and children are going to suffer,” Washington said, “and a lot of recipients who can not meet these arbitrary work goals will be sanctioned. I don’t believe this is right.

          Many of the people who have left TANF, left for jobs paying the minimum wage. They did not find jobs that would lift them or their families out of poverty.

          Washington added that the new TANF rules will also impact adversely on those families needing subsidized childcare.

          “If you increase participation in welfare-to-work programs, there will also be an increased demand for subsidized childcare. There is a waiting list for subsidized care now for low-income working families.

          Childcare funding falls short of the amount that is needed to serve families. Without an increase in subsidized childcare funding, we are creating an even greater problem. Families will be left having to decide whether to work to receive assistance or leave their child in unregulated, dangerous child care arrangements.

          Washington also called on the Department of Public Welfare to do a better job of informing and educating not only recipients but the general public as well.

          “I don’t know how Pennsylvania will meet the fifty percent goal by October 1, but in the meantime people need to be alerted so they can prepared.

          Washington said she supports recipients being able to qualify for work hours by attending an educational institution. “If a better education can lead to a better paying job, then people should not be told that this does not meet the standard. I would recommend, however, that those enrolled in an educational program maintain at least a “C” average.

         Washington also said many recipients have had trouble securing stable employment because of serious barriers, from mental and physical health problems, domestic violence, substance abuse, and housing problems.