COLUMBUS (May 10, 2006)  Governor Bob Taft today signed an executive order allocating an additional $199 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding to help more low-income Ohioans attend college, offer more child care services for working families and help to support adoption services

"From after-school programs and heating assistance, to supporting an individual's desire to obtain a college education, today we are renewing our commitment to Ohio families and children," Taft said. "Each of these initiatives will continue to make a significant difference in the lives of many Ohioans who are working so hard to become self-sufficient."

The Executive Order calls for the funds to be allocated beginning in State Fiscal Year 2007. The funds will be allocated for the following:

• $30 million for vouchers to help college students with tuition costs or other expenses such as books, computers and supplies.
• $60 million in TANF funds in FY07 through FY09 to allow additional working families to be served by the state's subsidized child care program
• $20 million to continue after-school and summer programs as well as school readiness enrichment services.
• $45 million to supplement the Home Energy Assistance Program in FY07.
• $7 million to support two-parent working families receiving Ohio Works First benefits.
• $5 million for county public children services agencies to help promote adoptions, recruit adoptive parents and support families after they adopt.
• $1.5 million in additional funding for Ohio food banks.
• $2.5 million to support independent living for youth aging out of the foster care system.
• $15 million to expand Ohio's voluntary child care provider-rating system.
• $5 million to continue TANF demonstration projects.
• $8 million to enhance the state's public assistance eligibility computer system.

Each year, Ohio receives $728 million in TANF funds from the federal government. With the addition of state and local funds, a total of approximately $1.1 billion is available each year for a variety of family support programs including Ohio Works First cash assistance, subsidized child care and local county support programs.

The state budget calls for TANF expenditures to exceed TANF resources by $236 million in FY06 and $226 million in FY07, significantly reducing the state's TANF balance. However, because TANF spending in the state has historically been below budgeted levels, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) estimates that the additional allocation of $199 million could occur without causing the program to reach a negative balance through FY09.

The Governor's Executive Order is available at www.taftnews.com.

# # #