In every state, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant supports cash assistance and a wide range of other programs and services for low-income children and families. CLASP conducts policy analysis and provides technical assistance on TANF to state and federal officials and administrators, advocacy organizations, grassroots groups, and research entities.
House and Senate Pass One-Year TANF Extension
The House today approved a bill that extends the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant through Sept. 30, 2011. Before heading out of town for Thanksgiving, the Senate unanimously passed the measure. It will now be sent to President Obama for his signature.
Unfortunately, this extension does not include the TANF Emergency Fund, which assisted states that increased spending on subsidized jobs, basic assistance and short-term benefits during fiscal years 2009 and 2010. Reps. Sander Levin and Jim McDermott said they favored extending the emergency fund during their floor speeches and Sen. Richard Durbin said he would advocate for it during a meeting today at the White House meeting on Bush-era tax cuts.
TANF was scheduled to be reauthorized by Sept. 30, 2010, but because Congress did not address it the measure required a short-term extension. The one-year extension ensures the program will operate without interruption through the end of FY 2011.
More information on the 2011 TANF Extension >>.
More information on TANF Reauthorization >>.
TANF Emergency Fund
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 created a new TANF Emergency Fund to assist states in expanding services during the recession. READ MORE »- Elizabeth Lower-Basch | Dec 07, 2010 2011 TANF Extension
- Elizabeth Lower-Basch | Jan 06, 2010 Goals for TANF Reauthorization
- Elizabeth Lower-Basch | Oct 05, 2010 Lessons from the TANF Emergency Fund
- Elizabeth Lower-Basch and Elizabeth Kenefick | Sep 10, 2010 Analysis of Fiscal Year 2009 TANF and MOE Spending by States
- Josh Bone | Apr 21, 2010 TANF Education and Training Series
- Elizabeth Lower-Basch | Dec 09, 2010 2011 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Extension
- Elizabeth Kenefick | Nov 30, 2010 States using the TANF Emergency Fund for Subsidized Employment
- Elizabeth Lower-Basch | Nov 19, 2010 Extending the TANF Emergency Fund Creates Jobs Now
- Elizabeth Lower-Basch | Nov 15, 2010 CLASP Testimony on DC Time Limits Proposal
- Elizabeth Lower-Basch | Oct 05, 2010 Lessons from the TANF Emergency Fund