Statement of Congressman Danny K. Davis (as prepared) In Support of His Amendment to Improve Child Well-Being

Unfortunately, this Republican bill does not address some of the key problems facing poor children in Illinois. The basic assistance level of TANF in Illinois is 25 percent of the federal poverty level. This is especially shameful when we realize that 50 percent of the federal poverty level is the definition of extreme poverty. So in Illinois, we only cover HALF of the level of extreme poverty. This level is bad in and of itself, but it’s even worse when you realize that children in poverty are significantly more likely to experience chronic health problems, leading to unexpected and costly doctor visits that undermine work, especially low-level entry jobs.

To add insult to injury, Illinois immediately reduces benefits as soon as a struggling parent begins to work. Rather than using aid to stabilize a child’s family, the state destabilizing the families’ ability to provide housing and food and supplies. Indeed, a high percentage of TANF participants in Illinois live in shelters.

Policymakers and child advocates like the Shriver Center in Illinois are fighting to improve child well-being by increasing the value of TANF grants to the level of extreme poverty – a level that would help a single mom move out of a shelter and pursue economic security. This income sounds small, but it is powerful. Research shows that as little as an increase in family income of as little as $3,000 per year when a child is developing is associated with a SEVENTEEN percent increase in the children’s future earnings.

My amendment would create a bonus program to states that invest in assistance levels that improve child well-being by (1) providing family grants and child-only grants at a minimum threshold of 50 percent of the federal poverty level AND (2) continuing assistance for at least 6 months before reducing benefits to promote child well-being.

Further, my amendment would give States the authority to develop modified employability plans for recipients caring for a family member with a disability or chronic health conditions. A single mom doesn’t decide when an asthma attack, diabetic complication, or sickle cell episode occurs. This amendment would allow greater flexibility for caregivers to meet their children’s health meet without sanction.

Also, my amendment would flat out prohibit sanctions for caregivers if the difficulties with work stemmed from their children’s chronic health problems. Finally, it would ensure that any education assistance a child receives – such as for attending a private school or a Pell grant for college – does not penalize a family’s TANF benefits.

These are common sense steps to promote child well-being and ensure we put children first. Any costs associated with protecting vulnerable families would be offset with a minor increase in the corporate tax rate.

Congressman Davis serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Human Resources on the Committee of Ways and Means, with broad jurisdiction over the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, child care, unemployment, home visiting, and child welfare.