The proposed amendments seek to increase accessibility to CalWORKs, allowing more families to qualify for assistance by broadening the criteria used to determine income and need. By eliminating the requirement for prior work hours and adopting a more flexible standard for income determination, the bill could potentially allow families who have minimal or fluctuating income sources to receive support. Additionally, the bill permits participation in job subsidies, which could not only enhance employment opportunities for participants but also potentially reduce dependency on welfare programs in the long run.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates a requirement for the Department of Social Services to conduct a feasibility study regarding the expansion of CalWORKs and report findings to the Legislature. The provisions within the bill emphasize collaboration with various stakeholders, including labor unions and public benefit advocates, to refine funding allocation methodologies for subsidized employment programs, thereby promoting job growth and development for low-income families engaged in the welfare system.
Assembly Bill 1324, known as AB1324, aims to amend existing provisions of the California Welfare and Institutions Code related to the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program. The bill proposes several changes intended to expand eligibility and revise the treatment of income for families in need of public assistance. Specifically, it introduces provisions that would exempt certain types of income from consideration when determining eligibility and payment amounts for CalWORKs beneficiaries. This includes in-kind gifts and income received by noncustodial parents, which currently may not be disregarded under existing law.
However, AB1324 does encounter points of contention, particularly from stakeholders concerned about the financial implications for local counties. The changes required under this bill may impose additional administrative burdens on county welfare departments, leading to increased fiscal responsibilities. There are concerns regarding the state's commitment to financially reimburse counties for the costs associated with implementing these mandated changes, particularly in contexts of rising social service demands.