Recomendations for TANF Reauthorization Ideas sent to the Office of Family Assistance, Department of Health and Human Services on November 26th, 2001, by Joan Acker, Sandra Morgen, Terri Heath Kate Barry, Lisa Gonzales, and Jill Weigt, Welfare Study Research Team Center for the Study of Women and Society, University of Oregon, with recommendations as outlined:

1. SECURE THE SAFETY NET — States must end programs that deny needy families immediate entry into TANF and must demonstrate a benefit level that meets families’ minimum needs.
2. PROTECT WORKING FAMILIES — Assistance for low-wage workers who lack benefits should be bolstered by expanding the umbrella of health care, childcare, and transportation subsidies, as well as Food Stamps.
3. ENCOURAGE POVERTY REDUCTION — TANF recipients should receive better support for education; higher education should count as a work activity (for up to four years); poor college students should be allowed to receive Food Stamps.
4. PUT CHILDREN FIRST — Subsidies and reimbursement rates for day care should increase; parents caring for young children should be supported.