This afternoon, Illinois lawmakers took important steps towards improving economic opportunity for local families impacted by poverty. The state legislature passed SB 3115 which, if signed by the governor, would substantially increase family cash assistance benefits, commonly known as TANF.
This afternoon, Illinois lawmakers took important steps towards improving economic opportunity for local families impacted by poverty. The state legislature passed SB 3115 which, if signed by the governor, would substantially increase family cash assistance benefits, commonly known as TANF. In order for this bill to become law, Illinois families need your help.
Low income residents across Illinois are increasingly reliant upon public supportive services such as TANF in order to make ends meet. In recent decades, rising housing costs, stagnated wages and insufficient workplace benefits have upended the economic stability of hundreds of thousands of state residents. Illinois ranks among the top ten states with the highest levels of income disparity. One-third of all Illinoisans and nearly one in five children in the state live below the poverty line. Centuries of institutionalized racism, wealth extraction and economic exclusion have led to disproportionately high rates of inequality among Black families statewide. Nearly 40% of all Black children in Illinois experience poverty.
SB 3115 would take steps to restore funding levels to Illinois’ family cash assistance program, which has seen drastic cuts in recent years. Over the past two decades, TANF benefit amounts in Illinois have decreased by over 25%. By incrementally increasing TANF grant amounts over the next three years, SB 3115 would better address the financial needs of low income families statewide.
Public family assistance is key to securing economic opportunity for Illinois families impacted by poverty. Research shows that children who received TANF assistance benefit from improved educational, economic and health outcomes in adulthood.
In order to secure equity and justice for Illinois families living in poverty, write or call (217-782-0244) Governor Rauner to demand his signature on SB 3115.