Senate Approves TANF Extension, but Ends Contingency Funds

by Kids Forward | November 22, 2010

Home 9 Family Economic Security 9 Senate Approves TANF Extension, but Ends Contingency Funds

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation Friday that would extend the basic federal welfare program, known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), through Sept. 30, 2011. The one-year extension is a stop-gap measure, in lieu of a 5-year reauthorization. The House is expected to concur in the bill during the lame duck session.

Unfortunately, the bill does not revive the TANF emergency contingency fund (ECF) and it cuts off funding for the regular Contingency Fund. The ECF, which was passed as part of the 2009 Recovery Act, enabled states to place adults with private employers and youth in summer jobs programs. The termination of both the ECF and the regular Contingency Fund will make it more difficult for the state to finance the sharp increase in W-2 participation that has occurred over the past two years.

Read more in a new Wisconsin Budget Project blog post.

Jon Peacock

Join us to build a Wisconsin where every child & family thrives.

Donate Now

Recent

WEBINAR: Reimagining an Affordable Wisconsin

WEBINAR: Reimagining an Affordable Wisconsin

by | Jun 16, 2026

Learn how we can stop wealth from flowing to the top and invest in what families need. Tuesday, June 301–2 pm CT Register Here Every family deserves a fair shot, no matter their race, background, or zip code. But, too many of us struggle to afford the basic...

Wisconsin’s Surplus Deal Didn’t Pass the Test

Wisconsin’s Surplus Deal Didn’t Pass the Test

by | May 20, 2026

We applaud the legislators who put Wisconsin families over politics Last week the Governor’s problematic surplus deal was blocked in the Senate. This deal represents more than just a partisan disagreement about schools and taxes. At its core, this disagreement demands...

Sign up for Emails

Your address helps us identify your legislators and the most relevant messages to send you.