Arizona works; independent
evaluation
HB 2146 as amended requires DES to assist individuals who have dependent children to enroll in a degree granting college or university and to encourage individuals who graduate with a nursing degree to serve in a medically underserved area.
The Human Services Committee adopted the strike-everything amendment to HB 2146 with an added section that allows TANF recipients to defer work requirements while in the program.
The Human Services Committee amendment was adopted to HB 2146 in the Committee of the Whole and the bill was further amended to eliminate the pilot program and to encourage individuals who graduate with a nursing degree to serve in a medically underserved area.
TANF provides assistance to needy families while promoting job preparation and self-sufficiency. A recipient becomes ineligible for assistance after receiving cash assistance for a 24 month period during any consecutive 60 month time period. TANF follows a work first philosophy in which recipients are required to engage in work activities to remain eligible for assistance. Current law provides temporary work exemptions for single parents caring for children less than 12 months of age, unmarried custodial parents under the age of 18 or disabled individuals. HB 2146 requires DES to assist individuals who have dependent children in obtaining financial aid and other services in order to attend a degree granting college or university and to encourage individuals who graduate with a nursing degree to serve in a medically underserved area.
· Requires DES to assist individuals who have dependent children to enroll in a degree granting college or university.
· Requires DES to place individuals in education courses for a twenty-four month period.
· Allows individuals to be enrolled in a nursing education program.
· Encourages individuals who graduate with a nursing degree to serve as a nurse in a medically underserved area.
· Requires DES to submit a report of the progress of implementing this policy.
· Permits DES to assist individuals if the individual:
Ø Is eligible for TANF
Ø Is seeking a post secondary education that will contribute to self-sufficiency
Ø Demonstrates aptitude to complete the education program
· Stipulates an individual must meet the following criteria to remain eligible for assistance:
Ø Enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester
Ø Maintain a “C” average
· Makes technical and conforming changes.
The strike-everything amendment was adopted in the Human Services Committee with the following changes:
· Adds a section that allows TANF recipients in the program to defer work requirements and increases the advisory board membership by one member.
The Human Services Committee amendment was adopted in the Committee of the Whole and was further amended as follows:
· Eliminates the student financial aid pilot program and advisory committee.
· Removes stipulation that only unmarried custodial parents may attend an educational program in lieu of standard work participation.
· Specifies DES shall assist individuals who have dependent children in enrolling in a degree granting college or university.
· Requires DES to place individuals in education courses for a twenty-four month period and allows individuals to be enrolled in a nursing education program.
· Eliminates residency and previous employment requirements.
· Encourages individuals who graduate with a nursing degree to serve as a nurse in a medically underserved area.
· Removes restitution requirements.
· Stipulates DES shall submit a report of the progress of implementation.
·
·
·
---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER
---------
·
45th Legislature
·
Second Regular Session 3 April
6, 2002
·
·
---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER
---------