Ohio Commission on Fatherhood Legislative Discussion September 24, 2015.

Ohio Commission on FatherhoodLegislative Discussion

September 24, 2015

Goal: To leverage the strengths of both the workforce and human services systems, in concert with non-profit and faith-based organizations, to lift Ohioans out of poverty.

Focus on people, not programs

First step: Gov. Kasich created the Office of Human Services Innovation in fall 2014 to transform the statewide network of human service and workforce programs in order to improve employment outcomes for low-income Ohioans.

Gap: We also need federal laws to change to support the work that is already under way in Ohio.

TANF/OWF Cash Assistance

Ohio Works First: financial assistance portion of the state’s TANF program.

Provides cash benefits to needy families for up to 36 months.

Who is eligible?• Families with children that meet a “gross monthly

income test” may be eligible. The gross monthly income limit for a family of three is $825 per month.

• Minor children living with guardians other than their parents may be eligible for “child-only” assistance, with no time limit.

TANF Work Participation

• Under federal law, most adults and minor heads of household must participate in work activities.

• Unfortunately, federal work requirements lack flexibility and too often steer individuals into situations to earn their hours without getting the meaningful experience, education, and training, they need to get and keep a job.

Workforce Development/WIOA

• Federal funding is provided to states to offer job training, education and employment services for unemployed and underemployed workers and youth.

• In Ohio, most of these services are delivered at a network of “OhioMeansJobs Centers” and online at Ohiomeansjobs.com

• OhioMeansJobs Centers provide free job training and other employment services to people looking for work. They match individuals who are looking for a job with businesses looking to hire workers, and help laid-off workers learn new skills and find new jobs.

HB 64 – Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program (CCMEP)

• Ohio’s biennial budget bill included a new program that will integrate components of the Ohio Works First TANF program with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to create a better coordinated, person centered case management system.

• CCMEP will provide an individualized employment plan focused on each person’s unique needs and barriers to self-sufficiency.

HB 64 – Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program (CCMEP)

• Initial Focus on transition age youth – ages 16-24.

• Early intervention can have the greatest impact in breaking the cycle of poverty by preventing it.

• Goal of eventually expanding the program to all Ohioans on public assistance.

TANF Reauthorization

• TANF Expires on September 30th

• Congress must act to extend or reauthorize the program.

• Opportunity for actual bi-partisan reform.

• Two major obstacles to self-sufficiency must be addressed:

• Work participation rates are process measures focused on attendance, not outcomes.

• Strict federal rules, not individual needs, drive work activities.

TANF Reauthorization – ODJFS Recommendations

• Remove the distinction between “core” and “non-core” activities.

• Increase the vocational education training time limit from 12 to 36 months.

• Increase job search and job readiness time limits from six to 12 weeks, and remove the four-consecutive week limit

• Remove the 16-hour monthly cap on good-cause hours (but maintaining the 80 - hour annual cap) credited toward work participation.

Julia Carson Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families Act (HR 3005)

• Introduced July 10th, 2015 • Sponsor Danny K.Davis (D-IL) with two co-sponsors

• Prohibits disparate treatment of 2-parent families;

• Allows participation in education to count as a stand-alone activity.

• Lifts the 30% cap on education, and doubles the length of vocational programs to 2 years;

• Clarifies states can provide non-custodial parents the same work supports as custodial parents.

Julia Carson Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families Act (HR 3005) - Continued

• Expands the Earned Income Tax Credit • Makes significant changes to the child

support program

• Amends SNAP to ensure that child support payments do not result in loss of food assistance for families by requiring states to disregard 20% of child support enforcement in determining net income eligibility .

Discussion/Q&A

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