This week the General Assembly began considering House Bill 138 (HB 138), legislation designed to discourage the misuse of cash benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Though seemingly well-intentioned, the bill could present a huge logistical challenge for retailers, all in an attempt to remedy… [Read more]

Georgia recently attracted the attention of Congress because of its abuse of a tactic that has eroded services for Georgians struggling to get out of poverty.  Nearly half of Georgia’s required contribution to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families,  which is supposed to match federal funding, now comes from private third-party… [Read more]

Categories: Blog, Clare S. Richie, Economic Security | Comments (1)

A perfect storm has hit Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in Georgia, and the results could be devastating. Reduced by nearly $125 million, TANF in Georgia is at a new low, surpluses from previous years are gone, and the state is relying heavily on private funds that may ultimately… [Read more]

The FY 2013 Budget Analysis: Human Services report examines key trends within the Department of Human Resources (DHS), including budget cuts and staff reduction and restructuring all while demand for services has increased. What takes DHS to a new low in FY 2013; however, is the loss of $37.3 million in… [Read more]

Categories: Clare S. Richie, Library, Reports, State Budget | Comments (1)

The TANF federal allocation, which states receive each federal fiscal year (October – September) has several components. For Georgia, the relevant components are the TANF Federal Block Grant and the TANF Supplemental Grant.  Although Congress extends the TANF program, without the TANF Supplemental Grant, Georgia loses $37.3 million federal funds.… [Read more]

Categories: Clare S. Richie, Fact Sheets, Library | Comments (1)

For the FY 2013 budget, the House doesn’t make any dramatic changes to the governor’s proposal; however, there’s great news for the Georgians that need state funded health programs.
By adding millions of dollars to the state budget, the House makes provisions for thousands of vulnerable Georgians that would have… [Read more]

As Congress finalizes the extension of the TANF program for the remainder of FFY 2012 (ending September 30, 2012), it can restore the TANF Supplemental Grant.  In Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2011, Congress did not fully fund the TANF Supplemental Grant for the first time. Georgia received $12.7 million less,… [Read more]

Categories: Clare S. Richie, Fact Sheets, Library | Comments (2)

This month Congress will address extending the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program through September 30, 2012. As of today, Congress has eliminated the TANF Supplemental Grant which leaves Georgia short $37.3 million for many health and human service programs. If Congress doesn’t restore the TANF Supplemental Grant, Georgia… [Read more]

The governor’s FY 2013 budget recommends $2.8 million less in state General Funds compared to FY 2012. Secondly, there are shifts in state funds for program transfers in and out of the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) budget to cover administrative expenses ($11 million) and replace federal TANF funds… [Read more]

Categories: Author, Clare S. Richie, Reports, State Budget | Comments (7)

On Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, Voices for Georgia’s Children hosted its eighth annual pre-legislative session breakfast for the Georgia Children’s Advocacy Network (GA-CAN!). GA-CAN! members presented their 2012 legislative priorities and coalition legislative opportunities. GBPI Senior Policy Analyst Clare Richie presented What Federal TANF Cuts Could Mean to the… [Read more]

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