Ohio Commission on Fatherhood Legislative 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 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 30 th 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 10 th, 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.