Reps. Smucker, Van Duyne Introduce Reduce Duplication and Improve Access to Work Act

Washington—Reps. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) and Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), members of the Ways and Means Committee, have introduced the introduction of the Reduce Duplication and Improve Access to Work Act. 

This legislation allows states to use a portion of their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding—up to the existing 30 percent cap—for workforce training programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), expanding states’ flexibility to support employment and job readiness initiatives. Current law allows states to transfer up to 30 percent of their TANF funds to other funds supporting childcare or other social services programs. 

“The best pathway out of poverty is a great job. Providing states greater flexibility to invest federal funds in workforce development programs will create more opportunities for individuals to connect with a job and live their own American Dream,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11).  

“Every person deserves the opportunity to build a better life for themselves and their families,” said Rep. Van Duyne (TX-24). “By allowing states to use TANF funds for workforce development programs, it will create new opportunities for individuals to secure good, stable jobs. This step will help empower Americans to reach their fullest potential and thrive in today’s workforce.”

Background:

• TANF currently allows states to transfer up to 30% of funds to the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and/or the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG).
• This bill would add WIOA as an allowable program for states to transfer TANF funds, within the existing 30% cap.
• States would be allowed to retain 15% of TANF funds transferred to WIOA for statewide workforce investment activities and the rest would be allocated to local workforce boards for service delivery through American Job Centers.
• The transferred funds would only be permitted to be used for individuals with income below 200% of the federal poverty line.
• As a condition for transferring the funds, states must inform the Secretary of HHS of their intention to transfer TANF funds to WIOA and describe how they will coordinate with the one-stop delivery system under WIOA in their state TANF program.

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