Senate Bill 2759 would increase TANF benefits for the approximately 3,000 Mississippians on the rolls by $90 per month. Republican Senator Joey Fillingane of Sumrall, says it means a family of four would receive $284 per month instead of the current $194. He says the increase will cost $2.8 million.
“We’re not talking about a lot of money. These are the poorest of the poor in our state, to assist families recovering from the pandemic and other reasons. These are 100 percent federal dollars. So you’re not talking about state matches or state dollars,” said Fillingane.
The bill passed. Also another measure for the state department of human services would allow the agency to use its former system to determine eligibility and record keeping. DHS found the new one they switched to increases their error rate, which could mean a $2 million dollar federal penalty. But Republican Senator Chris McDaniel of Ellisville, opposed the bill.
“Most of the economist who have looked at this indicated that if we take this change right now our welfare rolls will explode. If that occurs, more federal money will have to utilized. More state money will have to be utilized,” said McDaniel.
After some debate, McDaniel agreed not to challenge the measure, so the Senate could study it further. Senate Bill 2762 now goes to the House for consideration.
