Project IRENE
Springfield, Illinois 62704
March 18, 2002

To:  House Human Resources Subcommittee
Re:  New Vision for Reauthorization of TANF
From:  Rose Mary Meyer, BVM; Project Director, Project IRENE

The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action Adopted at the World Conference on Human Rights, June 25, 1993 reads:

...Recognizing and affirming that all human beings derive from the dignity and worth inherent in the human person, and that the human person is the central subject of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and consequently should be the principal beneficiary and should participate actively in the realization of these rights and freedoms....  (italics in original)

In order to assure these rights and freedoms for TANF recipients, we need a new vision for reauthorization.  Opportunities include:

• reconsideration of time limits
  The well-being of the family ought to be primary in the new vision.  If parents have sick children or infirm relatives, the current time limits ought to be suspended.  The effects of domestic violence also have to be factored into the equation.  Families engaged in part-time work or school ought not to be terminated because of time limits.

• restoration of benefits to lawfully present immigrants
  A study by the National Immigration Law Center found that 1.3 million children who are U.S. citizens lost benefits because their parents were dropped from welfare roles.  The 1996 law made most lawfully present immigrants ineligible for Federal public benefit programs such as food stamps, Medicaid, SSI, TANF.  Nutrition assistance and health care benefits need to be restored to lawfully present immigrants.

• expansion of educational opportunities
  A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services study, which followed TANF recipients for one year, indicates that only 5.9% received job training or education. The 1996 law limits states in their ability to include education and job training in their TANF programs.  However, job training and education are essential for economically poor women in order to access jobs that pay wages that allow these women to support a family.  Adequate housing, food and health care are human rights, not privileges.

In the new vision of the reauthorization bill, educational opportunities need to be expanded.  The limits on education and job training need to be eliminated.

• reconsideration of work requirements
  Work requirements have to be flexible in order for the necessary education or job training to occur.  Research indicates that most of the current TANF recipients have multiple barriers to employment.  Therefore, assessment of needs and provisions of services ought to be considered as facets of the work requirements.

• reduction of poverty
  Reduction of poverty is life-giving. Reduction of case loads does not guarantee reduction of poverty. Securing jobs which pay higher wages than the minimum wage and also offer benefits such as health insurance are essential to reduce poverty.

All of us benefit from poverty reduction--government, business, neighbors, families, friends.  A new vision for TANF reauthorization will strengthen families and reduce poverty.

Conclusion
I am confident that you will foster a new vision of TANF that will guarantee the rights and freedoms of TANF recipients.  Thank you.

Project IRENE (Illinois Religious Enabling Nonviolent Endeavors) is a project of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, Region 8.  This not-for-profit corporation engages in analysis, education and advocacy which impact women and children.