Session: State Capitol, Room 104 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-2199 Fax: (907) 465-4587 Interim: 10928 Eagle River Rd., Suite 140 Eagle River, AK 99577 Phone: (907) 694-6683 Fax: (907) 694-1015

Sponsor Statement for HB 402
Alaska Temporary Assistance Program

An Act relating to diversion payments, wage subsidies, cash assistance, and self- sufficiency services provided under the Alaska temporary assistance program; relating to the food stamp program; relating to child support cases that include persons who receive cash assistance or self-sufficiency services under the Alaska temporary assistance program; and providing for an effective date

While the Department of Public Assistance has made strides in the application of welfare reform, lessons have been learned, and insight has been gained, that led us to propose a tune-up of public assistance.

The intent of HB 402 is to align department program operations with the work-first philosophy that has been held up by all of us as the goal. One of the key premises of this philosophy is that the labor market is the best test of an individual's employability. Another is that all individuals are capable of moving themselves and their families toward self-sufficiency. A third is that "real job" experience is the best way to specifically identify training needs.

HB 402 has made changes that in general terms:

• Implement a broader and more responsive diversion process to assist families to avoid dependency on cash benefits;
• Strengthen the "up-front message" to clients that public assistance is as much about employment as it is about providing cash benefits;
• Provide more consistent guidance with regard to assessment, emphasizing the utilization of the labor market as the best test of employability and a family strength-based approach versus an approach that emphasizes pre-determining family barriers;
• Implement a more complete subsidized wage program and expanding community service for those unable to obtain unsubsidized employment.

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Attachments:

• FAQ for HB 402
  
• Print Friendly Version
  requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - 1 page(s) - 9 K

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