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News Release

HHS ANNOUNCES DECLINE IN TANF CASELOADS

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced today that the number of families and individuals receiving assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program declined slightly between March and June 2003.

There were 2,032,157 families receiving TANF cash benefits in June 2003, the most recent month for which data are available. The total represents a 0.3 percent decrease from March 2003 and a 54 percent decrease from August 1996, when TANF was enacted. A total of 4,955,479 individuals were receiving TANF benefits in June 2003, 0.6 percent fewer than in March and 60 percent fewer than in August 1996.

"Despite many challenges, TANF families continue to pursue independence for the benefit of themselves and their children," Secretary Thompson said. "Passage of the President's welfare reauthorization plan will help many more families build a better life. I urge Congress to enact legislation as soon as possible that incorporates the President's principles of work, personal responsibility and strengthening families."

The 1996 TANF law was due to be reauthorized by Oct.1, 2002, but reauthorization legislation is still pending before Congress. TANF is now operating under a temporary extension. President Bush proposed reauthorization legislation in February 2002 to strengthen TANF work requirements, expand state flexibility to coordinate services and mix work, training and other services to help families and provide for services that promote healthy marriages.

"It is encouraging that the welfare rolls continue to decline," said Wade F. Horn, Ph.D., assistant secretary for children and families. "We know that full-time work and strong families offer the best route out of poverty and the best opportunity for improving child well-being. TANF reauthorization plans now awaiting Congressional action will help people get the combination of work experience and supportive services that lead to better paying jobs, healthier marriages and stronger families."

State caseload statistics are available at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/news/press/2003/mar03_jun03.htm.

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Last Revised: December 2, 2003