Responsible Reforms

Welfare reform is always a hard topic to tackle when it comes to crafting new, helpful legislation. Each person, even within the same political party, has their own views. This session the General Assembly worked hard to create a practical, yet agreeable piece of legislation called the “Strengthening Missouri Families Act”.  I feel this legislation helps provide safeguards for those who need assistance through one of our state’s welfare programs, while also encouraging recipients to take personal responsibility to ensure those programs do not become a way of life.

Senate Bill 24 restructures the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, and parts of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). As amended, SB 24 would reduce lifetime eligibility for TANF recipients from the current five years to three years and nine months. The Senate position was to limit the program to 36 months, but agreed to the compromise during conference. 

Instead of signing up for the long-term monthly cash assistance program, this legislation calls for implementing a cash diversion program that grants eligible TANF recipients lump-sum cash grants for short-term needs, as well as job referrals or referrals to career centers, upon a showing of good cause. Showing good cause may include loss of employment, excluding a voluntary end of employment due to poor job performance; catastrophic illness; domestic violence; or other emergencies rendering a family member unable to care for the basic needs of their family. I think it is important to remember, with this bill, we are trying to encourage people to work and take pride in their achievements. I think we all agree with giving people a helping hand when they are really down and out and need help.

One of the most responsible items placed in this legislation is the provision that the person seeking benefits will be required to engage in work activities before becoming eligible. By encouraging those who are in need of assistance to work hard to help their family overcome the situation, they will be rewarded with integrity, responsibility and a better sense of self-worth. I feel the safeguards helped make this legislation something we could all agree on.

Senate Bill 24 requires TANF recipients to remain employed or continue seeking employment, or face the loss of half of their benefits for a maximum of 10 weeks. If they neglect to meet this requirement, they could forfeit all benefits. TANF recipients also have to be employed to be eligible for food stamps. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program allows states with a certain level of unemployment to seek a waiver of the work requirement for assistance. Missouri currently has this waiver, but starting, Jan. 1, 2016, this act removes the waiver and reinstates the work requirements.

I look forward to the governor signing this legislation. If he does not, I am confident there will be enough votes to override his veto, possibly before we end session on May 15.