Making Change in TANF

By Lila Saavedra
Edited by Laura Kendellen

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program (W-2 in Wisconsin) is scheduled for reauthorization in 2010. TANF states that it gives low income families self-sufficiency, yet many women who have received W-2 still struggle to move their families from poverty.

On February 24th and 25th, 9to5 Milwaukee Intern Angie Grice and I attended a conference in Washington D.C. with the Welfare Economic Justice Coalition. During the conference, we discussed and lobbied to make education a priority, change how TANF funds are used in our state, and end time limits which are harsh in today’s recession.

In Milwaukee, 9to5 members and staff have held a number of meetings with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in an effort to ensure a more stable outcome for all recipients of Wisconsin TANF services like W-2 emergency assistance and child care funds. The next meeting with DCF representatives is Friday, March 12th at 1 p.m. A preparatory meeting is being held tonight at 4 p.m. All are encouraged to attend.

Both meetings are held at the Nonprofit Center (2819 W Highland Blvd.).

We are collecting testimonies from women with W-2 benefits and encourage them to join us at our March meetings. Please contact lila@9to5.org with questions, testimony or to RSVP.

Check out video from the WEJC conference! Intern Angie Grice begins her speech at 6:38 on clip 1 and continues into clip 2.