Supporting Low-Income Families

Supporting Low-Income Families

Earned Income Tax Credits -The long-standing federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) puts cash into the hands of working poor families. Nationally, the federal EITC delivered $36 billion to low income workers in 2003 and helped lift more working families out of poverty than any other federal program. Legislators who want to build economically stronger families can help get the word out to their constituents

Welfare to What? (February 2004, LegisBrief, by Courtney Harrison)
Innovative state welfare programs moved millions of people off the rolls and into the workforce. Recently, state welfare agencies have studied how those who have left welfare are fairing.

Faith-Based Initiatives in Social Services (January 2004, LegisBrief, by Courtney Harrison)
The religious community has had a long-standing role of providing social services to poor families, often under contract with state or local government.

Building Assets and Fighting Poverty with Individual Development Accounts (February 2003, by Monica Kearns and Andrea Wilkins)

Many states are creating Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) for low-income families so that they can save and build assets.

State Policy Choices Policy Briefs

Job Retention and Advancement Strategies (May 2003, State Policy Choices, by Courtney Jarchow)

Welfare programs are shifting from helping welfare recipients gain employment to helping welfare recipients maintain employment. Steady employment can help move parents toward self-sufficiency; however, many former welfare recipients and low-income workers struggle to keep their jobs.

Substance Abuse and TANF (April 2003, State Policy Choices, by Andrea Wilkins)

Recent studies have estimated that anywhere from 5 to 35 percent of parents on TANF have a substance abuse problem that impedes their ability to work and leave welfare. This policy brief explores ways states can help parents get treatment and become self-sufficient.

Disabled Parents and TANF (March 2003, State Policy Choices, by Andrea Wilkins)

Physical and mental health problems are some of the most common barriers to employment reported by parents who remain on welfare. Many TANF recipients experience a health problem severe enough to prevent work but not severe enough to qualify for disability assistance. States will want to focus on ways to help those capable of work move into jobs and to provide the necessary assistance for those who cannot reasonably be expected to work.

State Poverty Policies Newsletter (January/February 2003)

State Poverty Policies, Volume 1, No. 1, features an article on substance abuse and welfare reform, trends in the food stamp program and services for incarcerated fathers. It also includes summaries of recent news articles and research related to low-income families.

Programs that Serve Children in Low Income Families (November 2002, State Policy Choices, by Andrea Wilkins and Lucy Dwight)

One aim of welfare reform was to reduce welfare dependency among recipients, including children. Several states have used welfare funds to develop programs that serve the needs of low-income families, help break the cycle of poverty and promote positive development among adolescents. State innovations include programs designed to improve parenting skills; provide family support; promote positive academic, emotional and social development among children; and reduce the occurrence of teen pregnancy.

Time Limited TANF Recipients (July 2002, State Policy Choices, by Andrea Wilkins)

Placing limits on how long families could receive Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) benefits was a significant change brought on by the 1996 federal welfare law. It replaced the ongoing cash assistance system to one focused on moving parents into work and self-sufficiency. This policy brief reviews state time limit policies, their effect on families and the key policy issues states face.

Strategies for Hard-to-Serve TANF Recipients (June 2002, State Policy Choices, by Andrea Wilkins)

Vocational training and job placement efforts are not always enough to move the hard-to-employ off the welfare rolls. Incorporating thorough assessments and specialized efforts into state welfare reforms is key to promoting self-sufficiency among this population.

Faith-Based Initiatives (May 2002, State Policy Choices, by Courtney Jarchow)

Faith-based organizations have historically provided social services. "Charitable choice" has led to increased collaboration with the faith community as policymakers have begun to recognize how religious entities can contribute to welfare reform.

Domestic Violence and Welfare Reform (July 2001)

Although domestic violence occurs in all socioeconomic classes, women on welfare are especially likely to be affected. The Family Violence Option was included in the 1996 welfare reforms to allow states to this barrier without penalty while they provide services.

For more information on welfare reform issues, please contact Jack Tweedie in the Denver office at 303.364.7700 or cyf-info@ncsl.org or either Sheri Steisel or Lee Posey in the D.C. office at 202.624.5400 or fedhumserv-info@ncsl.org