Connecticut Senate Bill SB00096

Connecticut 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/22
• Refer: 2/16/22

Caption

An Act Increasing The Temporary Family Assistance Time Limit To Sixty Months.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would significantly amend the existing provisions under section 17b-112 of the general statutes. By allowing families to receive assistance for a longer period, the bill aims to alleviate financial pressures on these households, promoting stability and well-being. The anticipated outcomes include a decrease in homelessness rates and better academic performance among children in families benefiting from the program. This change seeks to align support with the temporal realities of poverty, where many families struggle to regain financial autonomy within the previously limited timeframe.

Summary

SB00096 proposes to increase the duration of temporary family assistance benefits from the current limit of twenty-one months to a new limit of sixty months. The primary objective of this bill is to provide extended financial support to low-income families with children, thereby mitigating the risks of homelessness and improving health and educational outcomes for children. This extension of benefits seeks to address the challenges faced by families who rely on these assistance programs during times of economic hardship.

Contention

The proposal to extend temporary family assistance may generate debates around the sustainability of funding for such programs and the potential impact on state budgets. Proponents of the bill argue that the benefits of reducing homelessness and improving child welfare will outweigh the costs involved. However, opponents may raise concerns regarding long-term dependencies on government assistance and the importance of developing alternative strategies that empower families to achieve self-sufficiency. Additionally, discussions around the bill could touch on the adequacy of the assistance provided and whether it sufficiently meets the needs of families facing economic challenges.