VPLC Opposes HB 2213

Thursday, January 26th, 2017

VPLC Opposes HB 2213
Because It Would Hurt The Poorest Virginia Families’ Opportunities
To Become Self-Sufficient And Independent.

 

Currently, the poorest families in Virginia can receive cash assistance from the TANF program (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) for a maximum of 60 months.  The average monthly benefit is just $267, and non-exempt adults are already required to engage in specific work and/or educational activities.    HB 2213 would severely reduce the maximum TANF time limit to only 24 months. 

 There is no justification for this significant cut to Virginia’s TANF time limit, which would be one of the strictest in the nation. While the large majority (75%) of TANF families only need cash assistance for about one year (2012 DSS study),  this change would make it much harder for the other poor families on TANF to gain the job experiences, educational credentials, and supportive services (e.g. transportation and child care) that enable them to be truly self-supporting.   Virginia has a successful TANF work program today.  This bill would undermine the progress that has been made.

 Click the fact sheet below for additional information.  Feel free to e-mail or print and distribute to your network.

 

 

Oppose HB2213

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