June 5, 2008 - Restore TANF Anti-Poverty Funds

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"The state Council on Revenues recently lowered projected tax revenue growth, which translates to $27 million less in state revenues than we had anticipated for this month alone. 

My responsibility is to move our state forward, while exercising responsible and prudent fiscal management of our resources. 

To help, the Legislature should make it their highest priority when they reconvene in January to lift the restriction they imposed on $28.2 million in federal TANF anti-poverty funds.  TANF programs help students prepare for the workforce, prevent substance abuse, teen pregnancies and help deter child abuse.

The Legislature's decision to freeze these TANF funds means that the money will sit idle in a reserve account and will not be available to address pressing social needs today. 

I encourage you, contact your state legislators to urge them to restore this important funding."