SNAP and TANF recipients; require those unemployed to take Test of Adult Basic Education.
Impact
The legislation requires that if a recipient scores below the 12th-grade level on any section of the TABE, they must enroll in a remedial program at a community college to improve their skills. Following completion of this program, they are required to retake the TABE. If they continue to score below the required level, they will have to repeat this process until they achieve the necessary scores. This approach aims to strengthen the educational foundations of those reliant on state assistance, ultimately supporting their transition into the workforce.
Summary
House Bill 263, presented in the Mississippi Legislature, mandates that adults aged eighteen or older, who receive benefits from either the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and are unemployed, must take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE). The rationale behind this bill is to ensure that recipients of these benefits possess adequate educational skills, particularly at or above the 12th-grade level, which may enhance their employability and self-sufficiency.
Contention
However, the bill raises several points of contention. Critics may argue that such a requirement could impose undue stress and barriers to those already facing significant challenges in their lives, particularly within low-income communities. There is concern that mandating education assessments may disproportionately affect elderly or disabled individuals who may struggle to meet these educational requirements despite meeting other criteria for assistance. Supporters may counter that enhancing the education of beneficiaries will lead to greater economic independence and reduce long-term welfare dependency.
Consolidates all categories of gross income for cross-claiming of net losses and allows 20 year loss carryforward under the New Jersey gross income tax; repeals alternate business income calculation.
Consolidates all categories of gross income for cross-claiming of net losses and allows 20 year loss carryforward under the New Jersey gross income tax; repeals alternate business income calculation.