Hearing on TANF reform suggestions held at state capital

In a hearing held at the state capital, members of the house and senate democratic caucuses heard from stakeholders about potential changes to the state's Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program. Lawmakers listened and asked questions as activists spoke on why they felt the current policy was failing poor families. Topics included child-care, drug-testing, and increasing the amount of funds available.

House Minority Leader Robert Johnson says this input helps lawmakers understand what needs to change with the state's welfare program.

"We're here to hear from people who are out there in the field, to understand how we can do a better job." he said. "What can we do for poor children and poor families?"

Very few Mississippians receive direct assistance through the TANF program. Aisha Nyandoro is with the Springboard to Opportunities organization. She says that the long list of qualifications and limitations on how the welfare money can be dispersed is problematic.

"I'm not here just to complain, I am simply here to lay out the facts," she said. "Our current system fails, and the truth is we should just give people money... as career politicians, you do not know better than a family about what it is that they need."

The legislative session will begin January 3rd.