TANF at 15: A Weak Safety Net Getting Weaker

Monday will mark the 15^th anniversary of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant (i.e., “welfare reform”).  Here are some highlights of TANF as we know it today.  On Monday, we’ll provide more information on how TANF has changed over time.

TANF’s role in providing income support to poor families has declined dramatically

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Most of the employment gains realized in the early years of TANF have disappeared

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TANF has failed to provide an adequate safety net to needy families during this long and difficult recession

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