Georgia’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Family’s (TANF) benefit has not increased in more than 30 years and fails to meet the growing cost of basic needs.
| Cash Aid | 1991 | 2022 | Benefit Level Change |
| Nominal TANF Grant
For a family of 3 |
$280 | $280 | Unchanged |
Everyday household and personal care items have increased in price since 1991. Some substantially so.
|
Item Purchased |
1991 |
2022 |
Price Change |
| Infant diapers
88-count box |
$17.99 | $24.94 | +39% |
| Toilet paper
4 rolls |
$1.29 | $5.22 | +305% |
| Laundry detergent
60 to 64 oz |
$2.99 | $12.31 | +312% |
| Disinfectant spray
12.5 oz |
$2.78 | $8.93 | +221% |
| Children’s liquid cold medicine
4 oz |
$3.99 | $5.99 | +50% |
Transportation costs have also increased.
|
Item Purchased |
1991 |
2022 |
Price Change |
| Regular gas
One gallon |
$0.88 | $3.10 | +254% |
| Public Transit (MARTA)
One-way trip |
$1.00 | $2.50 | +150% |
Georgia legislators should increase TANF grants to help families cover the rising costs of basic needs. House Bill 91 would increase the TANF benefit and ensure it keeps pace with inflation. This would be a meaningful change to support families and children with the lowest income.
Sources: Infant diapers prices from a February 4, 1991, Atlanta Journal-Constitution ad and Walmart.com accessed January 3, 2022 ; toilet paper prices from a April 14, 1991, Atlanta Journal-Constitution ad and Walmart.com accessed January 3, 2022; laundry detergent prices from a February 26, 1991, Atlanta Journal-Constitution ad and Walmart.com accessed January 3, 2022; disinfectant spray prices from a May 30, 1991, Atlanta Journal-Constitution ad and Walmart.com accessed January 3, 2022; Children’s liquid cold medicine prices from a December 8, 1991, Atlanta Journal-Constitution ad and Target.com accessed January 3, 2022; average gasoline price in Georgia in January 1991 from U.S. Energy Information Administration and average gasoline price in Georgia on January 3, 2022 according to AAA; public transit fares from Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).
