While we've been advocating to reinstate time limit exemptions for families on TANF since January (and before), Senators are hearing SHB 2007 for the first time on Monday, February 19. After this hearing, Senators only have until Wednesday, February 21 to advance the bill.
SHB 2007 would permanently reinstate time limit exemptions for families on TANF with children under 2 years old. When broad hardship exemptions were temporarily restored for all families during the pandemic, access to help during times of need significantly increased, with families of color benefitting most.
Unfortunately, the temporary restoration of broad hardship exemptions expired in June 2023, reinstating recession-era policy with documented racist outcomes that has already begun kicking people off of TANF who still need (and otherwise qualify for) benefits.
This bill would take important first steps towards permanently reinstating this proven policy that increases equitable access to benefits that families need to meet their basic needs. Tell Your Senator: Make TANF Work Better for Families! |
