What is TANF and why does it need to change?

In Colorado, a family with two children must make less than $421 per month to qualify for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Therefore, the level of poverty a family must experience to access this program is too low for it to truly help families achieve economic security. In addition, TANF payments do not adjust proportionally to inflation. The payments families receive are worth far less today than they were in 1996 when the program began. Colorado needs to take steps to ensure TANF better serves the families that need it. In doing so, we can help place families on the path to economic prosperity and ensure children have the resources they need to thrive. 

On this week’s episode of The West Steps, we gain firsthand insight about the changes needed to help TANF best support the Colorado families that need it. We are joined by Sarah Barnes, Manager of Special Policy Initiatives at the Colorado Children’s Campaign; and three members of the Clayton Early Learning team: Coressia Sanders, a former TANF recipient and Continuous Learning and Data Coach; Kayla Frawley, Manager of Policy and Advocacy, and Ealasha Vaughner, mother of two and Community Ambassador Coordinator . Our discussion centers around the many obstacles families face in accessing TANF. With TANF legislation soon to be introduced at the state Capitol, we also hear about the important steps advocates are taking to elevate the voices of TANF recipients in the policy making process to ensure the program changes in a way that better serves families. 

Interested in learning more about the work of the TANF coalition? Contact Sarah Barnes at sarahb@coloradokids.org.