While Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides an essential lifeline for many Pennsylvanians in-need, the program needs reform. By working together with the private sector, we can improve services while also lowering costs for taxpayers.

That is why I plan to introduce legislation that would create a “welfare to work” pilot program in counties of the fourth and fifth class, eliminating the disincentive to work. This program will function as follows:

• TANF recipients will continue to collect full cash benefits in addition to 20 hours of pay as they train.
• After six months, the business will pay the individual for 30 hours of work while they continue receiving 70% of their cash benefits.
• After one year, the business pays the individual for the full 40 hours of work at which points cash benefits are terminated.

This program will encourage companies to hire individuals enrolled on the welfare rolls, helping families to transition to self-sufficiency by providing an incentive to work. In doing so, businesses will be able to tap into this potential pool of workers.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to help individuals get off welfare and into employment while assisting businesses that struggle with the workers shortage.