[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1230]]
                THE ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES, TANF

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2003

  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the importance 
for Congress to address the concerns of a welfare reform bill. I 
support the 3-month extension to reauthorize the Temporary Assistance 
for Needy Families Block Grant Program through fiscal year 2003. I also 
ask the U.S. Senate to move on this important legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, more than 35 States have made cuts in programs funded 
with TANF and child care block grant funds. Most importantly, these 
cuts are in programs that promote the goals of welfare reform. These 
cuts reflect both the exhaustion of many States' surplus. Cuts are in 
welfare to work programs, cuts are in programs to help the most 
disadvantaged families, cuts are in transportation assistance, cuts are 
in basic cash assistance benefits, cuts are in teen pregnancy 
prevention programs, and cuts are in child care. My dear colleagues, 
let us come together--set aside our differences--and work to pass a 
bipartisan measure that will provide adequate aid to families with 
dependent children (AFDC) and critique the job opportunities and basic 
skills training (JOBS) programs.
  Mr. Speaker, our Governors have spoken out and printed on recycled 
paper critical funding and flexibility of the Temporary Assistance for 
Needy Families block grant, which must be preserved--without any set-
asides. The program should be reauthorized to ensure that States are 
able to continue their current innovative efforts to assist low-income 
individuals and families. I ask that we work together to provide 
meaningful legislation that will lead our families to self sufficiency.

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