Recently, the Governor made $51 million in cuts to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) fund. TANF provides assistance and work opportunities to needy families by granting states federal funds (to be combined with state funds) and wide flexibility to develop and implement their own welfare programs.

Two of the most impactful cuts include:

• Hardship extensions will be limited even further. These extensions have included families who are complying with their WorkFirst requirements but have still not found employment as well as families who are working but make so little that they still qualify for TANF. Families who are complying with their job search requirements, including those working part time, will no longer be able to qualify for an extension beyond 60 months. The cut is scheduled to go into effect on February 1, 2011, and will mean the loss of TANF for 5,555 families (approx. 10,000 children).
• Reduction of eligibility for Working Connections Child Care. Currently, families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty line (FPL) qualify for subsidized child care. In addition to the subsidy they receive, they pay a co-pay that increases as their income increases. The Governor has reduced the eligibility level to 175% FPL, impacting around 2,500 families who will no longer qualify for the subsidy. Whether these families will be able to find other child care, retain their jobs, or have to return to TANF, are all unknown at this point.

Currently, Congress is considering passage of a one-year extension of the TANF Emergency Contingency Fund (ECF). If Congress does not approve the extension by September 30, the Governor will have to make an additional $62 million in cuts to TANF. These cuts couldn't come at a more difficult time. Welfare caseloads have increased, so there are more children and families than ever before that need the support given to them by TANF. The increase in caseloads is a direct result of the rising need of vulnerable families during the current economic recession.

These additional cuts could include:

• Kinship caregivers that are above certain income requirements would not be eligible to receive a child only TANF grant
• The eligibility level for Working Connections Child Care would be reduced even more
• TANF grant reductions

We need your help. Please contact Senator Patty Murray, Senator Maria Cantwell, and your House of Representatives Member and ask that they ensure that the extension of the TANF Emergency Contingency Fund be approved by September 30. Senator John Kerry is going to be asking US Senators for their support in passing the TANF ECF. Reference this sample letter in your appeal for the TANF extension. Not extending the Fund will mean the loss of financial assistance and child care for thousands of families in the state.