PUBLIC BENEFITS

Keeping Budgetary Commitments to the Poor? Texas and the Welfare Block Grant, 1996-2000, a presentation at an international conference on Texas’ use of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant.

New data from USDA show Texas has seventh worst Food Stamp participation rate; Food Stamp vehicle exemption likely to pass before Congress adjourns. This Policy Page summarizes these developments and the next steps state policymakers can take to increase Food Stamp participation among eligible families.

The State of Texas has taken some important steps in the past four years to try to address the growing problem of uninsured children in Texas. As the report explains, now is the time to take the next step and make children’s eligibility requirements in Medicaid exactly the same as for CHIP.

The 76th Legislature was debating how much funding to appropriate to the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) to implement the proposed Texas Integrated Enrollment and Services (TIERS) project. This Policy Page summarizes the progress made thus far in implementing TIERS and points out opportunities for public input in future project planning and roll-out.

Public Input Needed on State Uses of TANF, Social Services Block Grant, Title X (Public Health Services Act), and Maternal and Child Health Block Grant.