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Anti-poverty strategies: A mixed-methods analysis of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Michigan
Welch Buller, Jennifer Landon, Olivia Samaddar, Sushmita Sprague-Jones, Jessica
Welch Buller, Jennifer
Landon, Olivia
Samaddar, Sushmita
Sprague-Jones, Jessica
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Abstract
Income support is exceptionally effective at reducing poverty and its effects, promoting work, and contributing to the well-being of children and families (Finklestein, et al., 2022; Courtin, et. al. 2020; Collins, et al., 2024). Michigan’s cash assistance program, the Family Independence Program (FIP), is one of many programs funded by the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant with the potential to play this role. To understand the extent to which FIP and TANF support Michigan’s anti-poverty goals, researchers used a mixed methods design to (1) examine the extent to which TANF funding is being effectively distributed to address the needs of poor Michigan families and (2) identify barriers that prevent low-income Michigan families from getting the help they need.
This report highlights several key findings and opportunities for Michigan to strengthen TANF’s potential as an anti-poverty and workforce development strategy. Findings detail barriers to distribution of TANF funds for Michigan families, which include current funding distribution, eligibility requirements, program requirements and guidelines, caseload capacity, unmet basic needs, and work participation rules. Policy recommendations for each finding serve as opportunities to reposition Michigan as a leader in implementing data-driven, anti-poverty strategies.
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Date
2024-03
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University of Kansas Center for Public Partnerships & Research
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Keywords
Anti-poverty strategies, Workforce development strategies, Mixed methods, Cash assistance, Basic needs
Citation
University of Kansas Center for Public Partnerships and Research. (2024). Anti-poverty strategies: A mixed-methods analysis of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Michigan. Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Poverty Task Force.