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Minutes for SB485 - Committee on Ways and Means
Short Title
Providing an additional option to fulfill work participation requirements under the cash assistance program.
Minutes Content for Mon, Mar 16, 2020
Chairperson McGinn opened the hearing on SB 485. Scott Abbott provided an overview of the bill. (Attachment 6)
Rebekah Gaston, Director of Policy and Director of Economic and Employment Services, Kansas Department of Children and Families, testified as a proponent of the bill. All Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) clients are required to work twenty hours per week. This bill would allow single parents of infants to count their participation in home visitation programs toward these work requirements. Many of the families they serve don't have the family support, education or access to transportation that others might have so this helps build a support system for them as well as intensive case management. Ms. Gaston responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 7)
Melissa Rooker, Executive Director, Kansas Children's Cabinet and Trust Fund, stood in support of the bill. This is a very helpful step in addressing one of the critical needs we have which is a shortage of infant care. This is the most expensive and least available type of child care and many counties don't have adequate care for infants and toddlers. This bill will help single parents stay at home a little longer with their children, which is better developmentally for children. Ms. Rooker responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 8)
Written testimony in support of the bill was submitted by:
Sister Therese Bangert, Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (Attachment 9)
Callie Peace, Kansas Parents as Teachers (Attachment 10)
David Jordan, Untied Methodist Health Ministry Fund (Attachment 11)
Brenda Bandy, Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition (Attachment 12)
There being no further conferees, Chairperson McGinn closed the hearing on SB 485.
Chairperson McGinn called for final action on SB 485.
Senator Suellentrop moved, Senator Pettey seconded, to recommend SB 485 favorably for passage. Motion carried.
