Since 1996, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) has been the primary federal cash assistance program for families with children. The TANF block grant, bolstered by state “maintenance of effort” contributions, allocates about 30 percent of the total funds to monthly cash payments to families. TANF and state funds are also used for a variety of other purposes, including child care subsidies, state tax credits, transportation needs, pregnancy prevention, and more. Up for reauthorization every five years, there is constant policy discussion on how to make TANF programs more responsive to families’ needs. First Focus is committed to making child poverty reduction a primary goal of the legislation.
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