ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
Appropriates $2 million in each of FY 2001-2002 and FY 2002-2003 from the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant to the Department of Economic Security (DES) to increase cash assistance payments for a child in kinship foster care with a grandparent.
The federal TANF block grant provides cash assistance to a child in the home of a relative. The number of children in kinship foster care has grown dramatically during the past decade. Nationally almost one-third of all children in foster care currently live with relatives. Grandparents on a fixed income sometimes have difficulty financially caring for their grandchildren. The current benefit for a relative caring for one child is $204 per month.
The bill appropriates $2 million in each of FY 2001-2002 and FY 2002-2003 to DES to increase payments for a child residing with a grandparent from $204 to $250 per month per child.
1. Appropriates $2 million in each of FY 2001-2002 and FY 2002-2003 from the TANF block grant to DES to increase cash assistance benefits for a child residing with a grandparent.
2. Caps the cash assistance payment at $250 per month per child.
3. Provides for a general effective date.
HS 1/30/01 DPA 9-0-0-1
APPROP 3/13/01 DPA 13-0-0-3
3rd Read 3/19/01 56-0-4-0
Prepared by Senate Staff
April 2, 2001