Discussion starting on this bill right now over at http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2021/meeting/watchlive/d5df26f0-71fb-4e7f-a305-3606826f956f/ https://twitter.com/Hicks_JustinM/status/1352668057710292995

Sen. Ford: Right now it is said here in Indiana, that out of 100 families in poverty, only 6 are receiving TANF. That's because the eligibility level is so low. (AKA, only the absolutely poorest of the poor are eligible for help.)

Ford: We annually have about $40 mil left over from our yearly grant.

Jessica Fraser from @INInstitute : We support the bill. Here's a few more points:

- TANF is only for families with children
- $1,000 asset test will remain
- Job search / work readiness requirements remains

Reiterates that the eligibility amts haven't changed since 1988.

Here's more background on that "asset test" mentioned above from @pewtrusts . https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/issue-briefs/2016/07/do-limits-on-family-assets-affect-participation-in-costs-of-tanf#:~:text=To%20qualify%20for%20TANF%20and,family%20can%20hold%20when%20applying.

Angela Espata (sp?) with Indiana Catholic Conference: We're in support for a variety of reasons that ascribe to the catholic social teaching. Help for poor, dignity for workers and their work. Will allow ppl to be connected to work and their communities.

Also letters of support from Mother Hubbard Cupboard, Indiana Afterschool Network, Indy Chamber, Feeding Indiana's Hungry. (Plus one or two more I missed.)

Sen. Crane will vote no: "I'm very sensitive to what we're trying to do, but I have some concerns that just don't get me over the threshold to an aye." Sen. Cook: "For the same reasons as Sen. Crane, I vote no."

SB 233 on gradually increasing TANF eligibility will move out of the committee to Senate floor. 6 yeas, 2 nays, 1 excused.