The state’s most vulnerable residents have been dealt a blow as Gov. Chris Christie vetoed legislation that would have increased funding for those receiving welfare assistance.
As it stood, the legislation would have increased funding for the state’s Work First program, or TANF, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The program is geared to help families become self-sufficient. It also offers job search and family counseling resources.
Currently, a family of three receives the maximum benefit of $424 per month, the same as it was 29 years ago. Additional legislation would have repealed the family caps that currently prevent Work First grants from increasing due to the birth of a child. Christie vetoed both bills June 30.
Marie Gladney, executive director of Mount Carmel Guild in Trenton, said it was disappointing because families that receive TANF are working to improve themselves.
“It is a sad commentary when programs that help the most vulnerable populations are used as bargaining chips to negotiate a budget,” she said. “A blow to the program like this sets us backward in alleviating poverty.”