Family Quote by Kathryn Edin
““Providing the ultimate safety net is the role that Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is supposed to play, but it hasn’t proved to be up to the task. Part of the reason TANF isn’t doing its job is that it is a block grant given to the states, which have broad flexibility as to how they spend the money. This means that they have plenty of reasons to keep families off the rolls, because if they do, they get to use the money for other, related purposes.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Testimony before US House Committee on Ways and Means, 2015
TANF’s block‑grant design lets states prioritize spending over keeping families enrolled, weakening its safety‑net purpose.
In simple terms: States can divert funds, so families fall through the cracks.
Key Takeaway
Recognize policy limits; advocate for reforms that tie aid to enrollment.
Themes
poverty policy
welfare
government funding
social safety nets
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
policy
analysis
advocacy
When to use this quote
- budget planning
- social work
- advocacy
- family assistance
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
block grant
state discretion
policy design
Questions to Reflect On
- How can funding structures be redesigned to protect vulnerable families?
- What safeguards ensure aid reaches intended recipients?
A Different Perspective
If states prioritize other uses, families may lose needed support.
