Mississippi House Bill HB1456

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

SNAP and TANF recipients; require those unemployed to take Test of Adult Basic Education.

Impact

The legislation aims to enhance the skills and job readiness of individuals receiving public assistance, linking academic outcomes with continued benefit eligibility. By enforcing educational benchmarks, the bill intends to push recipients towards greater self-sufficiency and reduce long-term dependency on government aid. This initiative reflects a growing trend of integrating educational requirements with social welfare programs, potentially creating pathways for improved employment opportunities for vulnerable populations.

Summary

House Bill 1456 mandates that recipients of benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) who are not employed must undertake the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE). Should a recipient score below the 12th grade level in any TABE category, they will be required to enroll in a community college program focused on improving their skills in that area. After completing the program, the recipient must retake the TABE. This process will repeat until they achieve a passing score in each category.

Contention

Despite its intentions, the bill has sparked debate regarding its implications on vulnerable populations. Supporters argue that requiring recipients to improve their education can ultimately lead to better job prospects and a reduction in poverty. Critics, however, contend that the bill may impose undue burdens on those with limited access to educational resources or who may face other barriers to achieving the required educational level. Concerns have also been raised about the effectiveness of such measures in truly fostering long-term employment outcomes.