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Tribal Alert Did you know?On May 8, 2002, U.S. Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) introduced S. 2484, the American Indian Welfare Reform Act of 2002, which re-authorizes and improves the operation of tribal welfare-to-work programs that were authorized by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). S. 2484 proposes improvements to tribal TANF and training and employment programs which could have a dramatic effect on moving Indian people from dependency to self-sufficiency and economic security. Senator Baucus is Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and has integrated only a few of the provisions of S. 2484 into a national bill entitled the "Work, Opportunity, and Responsibility for Kids (WORK) Act of 2002." The "WORK Act" is set for markup in the Senate Finance Committee this Wednesday, June 26, 2002. What is the American Indian Welfare Reform Act of 2002 about?S. 2484 recognizes the positive changes that tribal administration of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program has brought to Indian reservations and contains several provisions for improving upon the successes of tribal TANF programs in Indian Country by providing for economic development and job creation activities. S. 2484 also recognizes the substantial barriers that tribal members continue to face in moving from dependency to self-sufficiency and contains provisions addressing those barriers. Click here to read the specific provisions pertinent to California Indians. In addition, Tribal TANF Leaders meeting in Reno, Nevada, on June 6th, support S. 2484 and adopted changes and technical amendments that would cure S. 2484 of some minor technical defects and provide further incentives to states, such as California, that support Tribal TANF programs. These changes and technical amendments have been forwarded to Senator Baucus’ staff. What action can your Tribe take at this time?If your Tribe supports S. 2484 and would like to see that most, if not all, of S. 2484's provisions are integrated into the national welfare reform reauthorization bill, you may express your support for S. 2484 and its integration into the "WORK Act" by fax or e-mail (regular mail may not be received in time due to continuing delays) to California’s Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer. If you need further information, please contact Lisa Oshiro of CILS’ Washington, D.C. office at (202) 589-1860 or contact your local CILS office. DocumentsAlert (PDF - opens new window) Attached Outline (PDF - opens new window) Submitted Support Letter (PDF - opens new window) |