U.S. Reps. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) and Ron Estes (R-KS) cosponsored legislation to change how subsidized employment benefits are paid for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program recipients.
“Our safety net helps workers get back on their feet when they fall on hard times, but too often it can trap people in a cycle of poverty,” Rep. Walorski said. “One key to breaking that cycle is to treat TANF recipients like individuals, not like numbers on a spreadsheet.”
The congressmen on Sept. 27 introduced the Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act, H.R. 4571, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) to encourage employer-led partnerships with state and local agencies to hire TANF recipients and partially pay for their TANF benefits.
“The Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act will help get people back to work and make sure everyone has an opportunity to participate in our growing economy,” said Rep. Estes. “This bill fulfills the primary goal of TANF by supporting welfare recipients and connecting them with jobs, apprenticeships and training.”
If enacted, H.R. 4571 would direct that the TANF Contingency Fund be used to subsidize wages for no more than 50 percent of a TANF recipient’s wages, while the remaining 50 percent would be provided by the employer or state and local funds, according to a statement released by the lawmakers.
Also under the bill, states would be required to report on the outcomes of the program.
“By creating an evidence-based program to help recipients gain experience and on-the-job training, this important bill will empower individuals to find and keep good jobs so their families can live the American dream,” Rep. Walorski said.