Life will get even harder for thousands of Oregon’s poorest children if lawmakers fail to fill the state’s revenue gap. Legislative budget writers have proposed cuts to Oregon’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program that they are prepared to make in the absence of new revenue.
TANF helps families with dependent children experiencing hardship avoid homelessness and become employed. Many are headed by single women escaping abuse. Because a TANF family must have few assets and little earnings to qualify, TANF serves only Oregon’s poorest households with dependent children.
Over the years, TANF has helped many Oregon families get back on their feet. TANF has allowed families to gain work skills and become employed.
TANF now faces proposed cuts that would drive 11,000 Oregon children deeper into poverty, making their life prospects even more difficult and increasing their risk of entering the foster care system. Tell Oregon lawmakers: do no harm to Oregon’s poorest children. Protect TANF.
