Periodic Review of 22 VAC 40-293
We Appeal for Help for Virginia’s Poorest Families and Children:
The family is, and should continue to be, the central structure around which a free, caring and self-sufficient society must be built. Children’s lives are diminished every day in Virginia because of the low level of TANF welfare benefits. Every day, one in five children—wonder where their next meal will come from. One in three Children in Virginia Lives In-Or-Near Poverty, according to a study from the University of Virginia and children continue to experience higher rates of poverty than any other age group. Poverty is a particularly serious problem for children, who are exposed to toxic stress and suffer negative effects for the rest of their lives after living in poverty for even a short time.
Putting Families First: What should we do to support children and address the issue of childhood poverty?
First--Start Investing in Our Kids: The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program makes it possible for children to be provided for in their own homes or the homes of relatives, despite family poverty.
Second--TANF Must Focus on TANF Kinship and Relative Caregivers:
Third--TANF Must Focus on “A Family Living Standard”: Currently, spending on a family “Assistance” amount is insufficient. Virginia TANF benefits are among the lowest in the USA; Virginia is in completion with Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana in terms of benefit amounts.
In achieving this objective Virginia should increase its benefit levels for TANF to bring Virginia over the next four years from its present rank of 42nd to the middle ranking among states.
Fourth: It’s time for a positive comprehensive package to help able-bodied Virginian’s:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. John Horejsi & SALT