HB 1009 – TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Authored by Rep. Chuck Goodrich (R-Noblesville)
Exempts from being counted as income in determining eligibility for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program certain money earned by specified individuals pursuing a postsecondary degree, workforce certificate, pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship.
Chamber position: Support
The latest: Passed by the House Family, Children & Human Affairs Committee 10-0.
House Bill 1009, one of the top 10 legislative priorities for House Republicans this session, received broad bipartisan support from the Chamber and other advocates when heard in committee this week. The bill attempts to address the unintended consequences of the so-called “benefits cliff,” which is what happens when public assistance programs taper off or quickly phase out benefits when household earnings increase. In this case, a low-income family might be reluctant to allow their children or other dependents to participate in apprenticeships and related education/training programs for fear that their TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) might decrease as a result of wages earned through these activities. This counter-intuitive phenomenon is widely viewed as barrier to breaking the troubling cycle of generational poverty. The Chamber believes increasing participation in work-based learning and related training programs is a key strategy for strengthening Indiana’s talent pipeline and supports removing barriers that could prevent Hoosiers from engaging in these experiences.
Indiana Chamber action/commentary: The Chamber supports the elimination of financial disincentives and related barriers that prevent Hoosiers from pursuing education/training opportunities that promote upward mobility and stability for individuals and their families while also addressing state workforce needs. House Bill 1009 addresses one such barrier, and we look forward to seeing this bill become law.
HB 1397 – Technical Training and Workforce Development
Authored by Rep. Chuck Goodrich (R-Noblesville)
Provides that the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet may establish a course catalog that shall list all: (1) work-based learning, pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities in Indiana; and (2) providers that are eligible to receive high value workforce ready grants. Provides that a high school may replace certain high school courses on the high school transcript with alternative courses in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) in order to satisfy an Indiana diploma with a Core 40 with academic honors designation or another designation requirement.
Chamber position: Support
The latest: Amended and passed by the House Education Committee 13-0.
Indiana Chamber action/commentary: The Chamber has joined other advocates from the business community to express our support for HB 1397 in order to better inventory the availability of work-based learning opportunities in the state and provide high school course flexibility in STEM subjects aligned with industry need. The measure is well-aligned with the Chamber’s strategic priorities to strengthen and more closely align talent development efforts between state government, educators and employers.
Resource: Jason Bearce at (317) 264-6880 or email: jbearce@indianachamber.com
