First, Substitute House Bill 1447 will make key improvements to the Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) program including:
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Eliminating time limits for child-only cases, restoring pre-2011 policy
- Expanding asset limits and waiving the value of one car, allowing families to build up savings
- Increasing the income limit to 200% FPL, consistent with other benefits programs
- Allowing hardship as a "good cause" exemption from WorkFirst requirements, giving families time to stabilize without losing benefits.
Second, House Bill 1652 will ensure that 100% of child support paid by a non-custodial parent will be passed through to children whose families are on TANF. Research indicates that child support pass-through policy leads to more non-custodial parents paying child support, because they know it will be directly supporting their child. This would increase financial stability for low-income families.
Third, House Bill 1260 would end the unfair requirement for adults with disabilities to repay the state for their ABD benefits when they transfer onto federal social security income and allow ABD recipients to meet their basic needs.
Finally, House Bill 1678 would authorize the practice of dental therapy statewide at federally qualified community health centers, consistent with the model already authorized on Tribal lands in Washington. This bill would expand access to oral healthcare in Washington, particularly for low-income individuals without insurance or the ability to pay out of pocket for dental care.
These bills all work to expand access to direct cash assistance and/or healthcare to low-income Washingtonians who need both to meet their basic needs for housing, food, healthcare, and other necessities.
Urge the House Appropriations Committee to hear and pass SHB 1447, HB 1652, HB 1260, and HB 1678 to support low-income Washingtonians!
