By Senator David Blount
Jackson Advocate Guest Writer
The general election is Tuesday, November 5th. Please exercise your right to vote in this important election.
If you are reading this before Sunday, November 3, and will be out of Hinds County on election day (or are over the age of 65) you can vote early by absentee ballot. Simply go to the Circuit Clerk’s office in Jackson or Raymond. They are open until noon on Saturday, November 2.
In addition to the President and Vice President, Mississippians will vote to elect a U.S. Senator, their U.S. Congressman, and a State Supreme Court Justice.
On October 15, I helped lead a joint hearing of the Senate and House Democratic Caucuses on how Mississippi can fix our broken welfare system. Everyone knows about the scandal involving the Department of Human Services and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Beyond the illegal activity there are changes that are needed to make sure the program helps those for whom it is intended.
Here are some basic facts about TANF in Mississippi:
Mississippi receives about $86 million a year in TANF funds (the total state budget is about $31 billion). This is entirely federal funding.
Of that amount only about $4 million (less than 5%) is paid directly to poor families. Only 1,602 families (2,822 people, including children) receive any TANF benefit. The Department of Human Services acknowledges that the application process is extremely difficult and cumbersome.
The maximum monthly benefit for a family of three is $260 a month, or $3,120 a year.
About two-thirds of TANF money ($55 million) goes to fund state agencies and public/private non-profits. While many of these recipients do good work, they should be funded from the overall state budget, not by taking funds from eligible TANF families.
$25 million is paid to childcare providers so parents can go to work. This is a good use of these funds and should be expanded. Helping childcare providers not only helps TANF families, it helps keep these essential businesses open for everyone.
State law requires TANF applicants to be drug tested. Last year, six people tested positive. This requirement is inefficient and unnecessary.
The Legislature needs to change the TANF program. We should prioritize our poorest citizens – usually mothers raising children – before funding other programs. We should expand childcare access and reduce bureaucratic red tape for those who are eligible. We should fund any other needed programs through the overall state budget.
Democrats in the Legislature will be pushing for these changes again in the 2024 session. We will be actively seeking the support of our Republican colleagues.
Thank you again for the opportunity to serve the people of Hinds County. If I can help you or your family, please contact me by email (dblount@senate.ms.gov) or by calling my office at the Capitol (601-359-2220). I am also on Facebook and Twitter (@sendavidblount).
