Search

The numerous layoffs of low-income workers that occurred when the nation's economy slowed in 2001 have created numerous challenges for local Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs. By increasing collaboration between community economic development and workforce development efforts to serve low-income residents, states and communities may become better prepared to meet the challenges created by the economic slowdown. In their capacity as major local-level organizations involved in community economic development, community action agencies (CAAs) and community development corporations (CDCs) can work cooperatively with local and state economic development agencies. In addition to tax incentives, CAAs and CDCs can use funds from multiple federal agencies to support economic development efforts, including sectoral development and public-private ventures. A 1999 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services guide specifically mentions community development as an appropriate use of TANF funds. Other resources that can support local economic development include foundation and corporate intermediaries, individual development accounts, and faith-based organizations. Examples of creative resource leveraging by states, community organizations, and CDCs to develop successful work opportunities for low-income residents in conjunction with community economic development efforts can be found in Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and New Jersey. (Contains 19 resource contacts and 11 publications.) (MN)

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 led to an increase in the percentage of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients seeking more immediate employment and a decline in the percentage pursuing postsecondary education or degree programs. Since TANF's enactment, several legislative bills have sought to modify TANF to allow more cash assistance to recipients to participate in postsecondary education. Opponents of these proposals fear that changes in TANF designed to increase participation in postsecondary education would undercut current work requirements and expand short-term assistance costs. However, proponents of the proposed changes suggest that expanded educational opportunities could enable TANF recipients to prepare for and find better-paying and more stable jobs. Research has demonstrated a close relationship between education and earnings, and it has been suggested that increasing postsecondary education opportunities for low-income families with children through changes in TANF and other programs aimed at low-income families might eventually reduce state expenditures for public assistance by enabling adults to achieve financial self-sufficiency. Pilot projects in several states and related research studies have confirmed the benefits of increasing postsecondary education opportunities for welfare recipients. (Summaries of the positions of 11 organizations that have examined issues relevant to education/training and TANF reauthorization are included.) (MN)

This document examines microenterprise development as an employment option for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients. The document begins with a brief discussion of the feasibility of self-employment as an option for TANF recipients, particularly in a slow economy. The next section answers policy questions pertaining to the following issues: (1) ways state policies regarding TANF receipt influence microenterprise development; (2) funding sources available to support microenterprise development and training (TANF funds, maintenance-of-effort funds, federal welfare-to-work funds, community development block grant funds, and funds available from the Small Business Administration through the Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs Act); (3) the kinds of businesses that are best suited to be operated as microenterprises; (4) ways localities can support the development of new enterprises; and (5) skills and training needed to successfully operate a small business (business management and administrative skills, entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy and marketing and market access skills; self-motivation, and technical skills). Pertinent research findings are presented along with profiles of innovative programs in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, and New York. Concluding the document are the addresses (including World Wide Web addresses, when available) of 12 resource contacts and sources for 19 pertinent publications. (MN)

The new emphasis on welfare reform, self-reliance, and individual accountability and the new time limits imposed by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program have resulted in large numbers of people between the ages of 18 and 24 entering the work force. The three main career options for youth in transition from school to work are postsecondary education, apprenticeship training, and public sector employment. In addition to the employment programs and services available to assist low-income youths nationwide, various states offer special assistance to low-income youths with limited skills. Young adults may encounter several obstacles as they move from school to work. In addition to job training and job placement assistance, many youths need the following types of services: mentoring; pregnancy prevention and services to teen parents; assistance to domestic violence victims; substance abuse counseling; and transportation. Funding for such services is available through various government agencies, philanthropic foundations, and private employers. The following are among notable innovative programs: Detroit's "Focus: HOPE" program, which emphasizes work force development for well-paying jobs; the Los Angeles/Watts and Eastside Empowerment Zone; and the Iowa Volunteer Mentor Program. (Contains 12 resource contacts and 19 publications available on the World Wide Web.) (MN)

This document explains how community work experience programs (CWEP) and publicly funded jobs (PFJ) can be used to help hard-to-serve welfare recipients meet the work requirements imposed by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The document begins with a brief overview of available options for helping hard-to-serve welfare recipients meet work requirements. Section 2 discusses the following policy and program issues: (1) the purpose of CWEP or PFJ for hard-to-serve clients; (2) identification of the most appropriate form of subsidized employment; (3) characteristics of hard-to-serve welfare recipients; (4) identification of eligible hard-to-serve recipients; (5) determining when to place hard-to-serve recipients in CWEP or PFJ; (6) types of jobs appropriate for CWEP/PFJ participants with multiple barriers to employment; (7) ways programs can avoid displacing current workers; (8) ways of ensuring that programs are productive partnerships for employers; (9) support services needed by CWEP/PFJ participants; and (10) components that should be integrated into CWEP/PFJ positions to help employees make the transition to more permanent employment. Section 3 reviews the findings of research on CWEP and PFJ programs. Section 4 profiles eight innovative CWEP programs. The bibliography lists 12 resource contacts and 22 publications. (MN)

Establishing effective performance management with a clear focus on business results can transform an organization. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) is living proof. Beginning in 1997 under the leadership [...]

In order to stand a chance against unpredictable future losses, insurers are focusing their attention on the exposures they can contain. 'Unpredictability and financial variability are big on the radar [...]