Child Poverty Is Rising But Children Getting TANF Benefits Is Declining
“Ever since the Clinton administration made major changes to the welfare system, the number of children living in poverty in Virginia has been rising. Meanwhile, the number of children receiving benefits has been on the decline. Michael Cassidy at the Commonwealth Institute says that’s because Virginia hasn’t kept up with the cost of living for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. ‘Research shows that the economic security programs like TANF’s cash assistance result in things like long-term improvements in children’s health outcomes and academic performance and lifetime earnings,’ Cassidy said.”