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As national associations representing our country's state legislators, and state and local human service administrators, we ask for your support in restoring the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) funding to the $2.38 billion level set in the 1996 welfare reform law. We also seek your support for 10 percent TANF transfer authority within the FY02 budget.
Not only state and local governments, but faith-based and community organizations rely on this block grant as they address a range of human service needs, including child welfare, protection of and care for vulnerable adults, senior food programs, domestic violence services and a host of other programs that serve children, the elderly, and the disabled. In 1996 funding for SSBG was temporarily reduced from the prior level of $2.8 billion to $2.38 billion however, in recent years spending levels have been cut to $1.725 billion. Without your support, SSBG will be reduced to $1.7 billion with a 4.25 percent transfer cap from TANF to SSBG.
Mr. President, we are pleased that SSBG is recognized in the Armies of Compassion Initiative, but without actual funding, no policy change will occur. Restoration of funding in the FY 02 budget is a critical step to ensure that your priorities are realized. |
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William T. Pound, Executive Director
National Conference of State Legislatures |
Jerry Friedman, Executive Director
American Public Human Services Association |
