Action Alerts:

THE CALIFORNIA PARTNERSHIP

EMERGENCY CALL ALERT

TANF UNDER ATTACK!

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2004

URGENT ALERT: TELL YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO OPPOSE HOUSE TANF “EXTENSION”

PLEASE CIRCULATE AS WIDELY AS POSSIBLE

BACKGROUND: On Thursday, February 26th, Representative Herger (R-CA), introduced a bill that would extend TANF through June 30, 2004 (the current extension is set to expire at the end of March). Normally, extensions continue the provisions and funding provided by current law; however, this “extension” changes current law in one fundamental way, by recalibrating the caseload reduction credit - ultimately eliminating it. Such adjustments to the caseload reduction credit would significantly limit states’ flexibility to provide TANF families with training and support services that lead to long-term self-sufficiency.

This “extension” could reach the floor as early as Wednesday, March 3rd.

ACTION NEEDED: Call you members of Congress, in both the House and Senate, and urge them to oppose the House-proposed extension.

Call the Capitol Switchboard, at 202-224-3121, to be connected to your Representative or Senator; or go to http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm to find the direct phone number of your Senator, and http://clerk.house.gov/members/mcapdir.php to find the direct phone number of your Representative.

MESSAGE:

“I urge you to oppose the TANF extension proposed by the House because:
* It disregards the tradition of providing clean extensions of current law.
* It ultimately eliminates the caseload reduction credit without including any increased protections or supports for families; such as child care, training, or flexible work activities.
* It unfairly punishes states and families for political purposes. Low-income families should not have to suffer simply because Congress has failed to resolve the differences between the House and Senate.

*Instead, please support a clean extension of current law because it will best serve the needs of low-income families in California.

Please let us know how many calls you and your members make! In southern California let Alicia know how it goes: [email protected] or 562-862-2070 x.304. In northern California let Rebecca know: [email protected] or 415-572 1445.