How will HB22-1259 impact Colorado families living in extreme poverty?

When kids experience extreme poverty, it can have lifelong impacts on their health and well-being. That is why it is critical we take steps to help support families who are living far below the federal poverty level. House Bill 22-1259 will make changes to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF), known here as Colorado Works, so that it is responsive to the needs of our families and our changing economic landscape. By increasing basic cash assistance payments, improving outreach and engagement around the program, and creating a smoother ramp to economic security for TANF recipients, this bill will ensure that all families can meet their basic needs and live happy, healthy lives.  

Welcome back to The West Steps. This week, we are excited to have an in-depth conversation on one of the most consequential policies at the legislature this year: House Bill 22-1259. Sarah Barnes, Manager of Special Policy Initiatives at the Colorado Children’s Campaign, joins us for an overview of the bill and the impact it would have on families living in extreme poverty. Sarah discusses the ways in which the current TANF program is failing the families that depend on it, and how HB22-1259 would enact to fix our TANF statute’s outdated provisions. Basic cash assistance is one of the most targeted ways to lift families out of poverty, and it is essential that structural changes are made to ensure this program is accessible to the families that need it.  

To follow this bill and its journey through the legislature, subscribe to KidsFlash and look out for our weekly Capitol Updates. Interested in joining the discussion? Contact Sarah Barnes at sarahb@coloradokids.org to find out ways to get involved with the TANF Coalition.