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

Washington—Reps. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) and Dr. Brad Wenstrup (OH-2) are announcing the introduction of the Reduce Duplication and Improve Access to Work Act, H.R. 7446.

This legislation would grant states flexibility to devote a portion of funds received from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to workforce training programs organized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Current law permits states to transfer up to 30 percent of their TANF funds to other funds supporting childcare or other social services programs. This legislation would make WIOA programs eligible to receive TANF funds under the continued 30 percent cap.

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

“A reliable, good-paying job that can support one’s family is a key first step on the journey to economic independence. I’m proud to help lead this bill that would knock down silos within our government assistance programs and allow states more flexibility to use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding to support workforce development programs,” said Rep. Brad Wenstrup (OH-2). 

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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