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       Final TANF Rule

The TANF Final Rule is now available. New regulations to strengthen welfare reform were published February 5, 2008 in the Federal Register. The changes to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program will help move individuals off of the welfare rolls and into the workplace by giving states the flexibility to design their own effective welfare-to-work initiatives. To view the rule go to: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/08-455.pdf

Summary of Final Rule as prepared by by Elizabeth Lower-Basch, February 1, 2008 for CLASP (Center for Law and Sociial Policy)
http://clasp.org/publications/summary_of_tanf_final_rule.pdf 

      President Bush's Budget Cuts

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced that a reduction in this year's funding means that no new grants will be awarded to faith-based and community organizations through the Compassion Capital Fund (CCF), a centerpiece of the President's Faith-Based and Community Initiative.

      Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs Established

On February 7, President Bush signed an Executive Order establishing the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, a coalition of Federal agencies that will help support communities and organizations working on behalf of our nation's youth.