Experts say a system of racist policy is preventing Mississippians from accessing TANF funds

by

kobee vance

• Published on August 6, 2021 • Comments

Mississippi has one of the lowest rates of offering TANF funding to residents, at 4%.
CBPP

Mississippi trails the nation in the distribution of TANF funds to families in need of assistance according to a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. They say the lag is linked to racist policies that prevent Black families from getting the money they need.

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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program offers families federal dollars to pay bills and is distributed in Mississippi by the Department of Human Services primarily through block grants. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 4% of Mississippians who qualify for TANF funding received the benefits in 2019. Ife Floyd is Director of TANF Research and Analysis with the CBPP.

“Mississippi is really at the wrong end of this spectrum not only in benefits but also in serving people. It is not an accident that states with high Black populations are among the states that have these really weak TANF programs.

Mississippi has the highest percentage of Black residents in the nation, and Floyd says many of those in impoverished minority communities are unable to access the TANF funding. She says there are racist policies in place that serve as barriers for Black residents, such as strict suitable home requirements. Floyd says the program should be available to families to help their children have a brighter future.

“This is not just about helping families in the immediate term, which is critical. It’s also thinking about how can we ensure that families can provide a strong future for their kids.”

Last year, leadership at the Mississippi Department of Human Services was changed to address departmental issues and misuse of funds following an investigation from the State Auditor’s office.