By Crystal D. Swann
March 15, 2004

On March 31, the current extension for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program expires. Routinely, extensions on current law have provided continuation funding with no change in the law that allows for the passage of a reauthorization bill in the future. However, Representative Wally Herger (CA), chairman of the Human Resources subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee proposed an extension that proposes significant changes to the TANF program. HR 3848 would maintain flat TANF and mandatory childcare funding, but would require a "recalibration" of the program's caseload reduction credit so that the amount of a state's credit would be based on recent caseload declines.

"This proposed extension disregards the tradition of providing clean extensions of prevailing law and attempts to make changes to the law without a "true" reauthorization bill moving through Congress, stated executive director Tom Cochran in a USCM press release.

As explained by a Center for Law and Social Policy briefing paper, "this (HR 3848) would have the effect of either forcing states and (localities) to cut their caseloads or generate large increases in work participation. In light of the flat funding, states would face strong pressure to cut TANF caseloads or cut TANF-funded services to low-income families in efforts to meet the new requirements.

Currently, the House TANF Reauthorization bill was passed last year however the full Senate has not yet considered the bill. However, the Senate has indicated that they will consider the bill this year.