Washington, Feb 12, 2003 - The Republican plan for reauthorizing the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) legislation is the continuation of a failed policy of the past, and preys upon the neediest Americans, stated Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) and Barbara Lee (D-CA) today in a joint statement.

In advance of tomorrow’s expected debate on legislation to reauthorize TANF, Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich and Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Co-Chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus issued the following statement:

“The Republican TANF plan is a continuation of the failed policy of the past, and ignores current economic conditions. The current Republican proposal preys upon low-income Americans, who are disproportionately African-Americans and people of color, and will continue class welfare in this nation.

“The legislation, rushed to the floor without going through committee, fails to recognize the dire condition of our nation’s economy. The facts are that in the last two years, measures of unemployment, poverty, TANF caseloads, state spending on TANF services and requests for social services have all increased.

“Currently, 42 states are facing budget deficits and unemployment recently hit an eight year high. As a direct result of these economic conditions, 19 states have made cuts in TANF services and more are expected.

“Despite claims that Welfare Reform is a ‘huge success’, in the third quarter of 2002, 39 states reported a welfare caseload increase. For the nation as a whole, this is only the second time since 1994 that caseloads have shown a quarterly increase. At the same time, the real value of the federal TANF block grant has fallen by 13.5 percent since 1996.

“This recession shows that TANF programs aren’t working and they need to be improved. It is indefensible for Congress to reauthorize this failed policy especially in light of the currents desperate economic conditions. We hope that Congress, in haste, will not pass legislation that will prey upon our nation’s poorest women, children, and families.”

Today, Kucinich and Lee, joined by other members of the Progressive Caucus, will offer an amendment in the form of a substitute to TANF at the House Rules Committee. The Patsy Mink Memorial TANF Reauthorization Act, named after the late Congresswoman Mink, will seek to ensure that TANF can act as a safety net to the millions of Americans who need it the most.