Friends of Welfare Rights of Washtenaw County
Ypsilanti, Michigan
March 14, 2002

Dear Representatives of the House Human Resources Subcommittee:

I'm writing to urge you to consider the following important points during your hearing on states' implementation of welfare work requirements and time limits in Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.

• TANF reauthorization should have the stated goal to move recipients out of poverty. And, it must include strategies that would help individuals to work towards that goal. Certainly work is practical training as well as being productive, but for the individual to move into jobs which pay more than poverty wages work requirements should be combined with education or training. The value of education has been a tradition of this nation, and should be emphasized in this case also.
• Work requirements should take into consideration the special needs of clients. Research shows most TANF clients today have multiple barriers to employment. These needs should be considered, and state workers should be able to address those needs without penalty. Education, counseling, and addressing other needs should count for some of the work time requirements.
• Time limits must be reconsidered. Clients who are working part time, or are engaged in activities which are in preparation for work such as school or training or counseling to overcome barriers to work should be exempted from Federal time limits. They shouldn't lose their TANF cash benefits. Nor should clients with family members who are disabled. They must be exempted also from time limits.

Please don't overlook these important points.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

Lee A. Booth
Secretary