Niagara Leader

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced the Protect TANF Resources for Families Act to prevent states from misusing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to fill gaps in state budgets.

Currently, some states are using TANF to finance activities that previously had been state and local responsibilities. As welfare caseloads have dropped, certain states now use available TANF funds to fill “gaps” in their state budget. To ensure states do not divert TANF to cover state budget shortfalls, this bill requires TANF funds be used to enhance existing state funding rather than replace it.

"We need to restore the integrity of the TANF program to make sure states with budget surpluses like New York don’t divert TANF funds to fulfill other state budget shortcomings. This practice takes away valuable resources from families who need it most," said Congresswoman Tenney. "I am dedicated to ensuring TANF funds are strictly used for their intended purpose. The Protect TANF Resources for Families Act will provide robust oversight to curb the misuse of these funds and ensure tax dollars are used responsibly."