H.R.2579 - Reduce Duplication and Improve Access to Work Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2579, the "Reduce Duplication and Improve Access to Work Act," proposes to amend Title IV of the Social Security Act. The amendment would allow states to transfer a limited amount of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant funds to Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This aims to streamline workforce development efforts.
The bill permits states to use TANF funds for workforce development programs under WIOA. It also sets a 15% limit on funds reserved for statewide workforce investment activities.
The bill requires states transferring funds to submit a combined state plan to the Secretaries of Labor and Education.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to provide states with greater flexibility in how they allocate TANF funds. This could lead to more integrated and efficient workforce development programs.
States could potentially reduce administrative duplication and improve access to job training for needy families. The bill could also lead to better alignment of TANF and WIOA programs.
The changes would take effect on October 1, 2026, providing states time to prepare combined state plans.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Flexibility for States: States gain more control over how to use TANF funds to address local workforce needs.
- Streamlined Workforce Development: Combining TANF and WIOA resources could lead to more efficient and effective programs.
- Improved Access to Job Training: Needy families may have better access to workforce development services.
- Reduced Duplication: Consolidating programs could eliminate redundant administrative processes.
- Better Alignment of Programs: Integrating TANF and WIOA could lead to more cohesive and impactful services.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Misallocation of Funds: States might divert TANF funds away from direct assistance to needy families.
- Administrative Burden: Developing and submitting combined state plans could create additional administrative work for states.
- Uncertainty of Outcomes: The effectiveness of the transferred funds in improving workforce outcomes is not guaranteed.
- Risk of Reduced Direct Assistance: Transferring funds could reduce the amount of direct financial assistance available to families in need.
- Potential for Inequitable Distribution: Some states may be more effective than others in utilizing the transferred funds.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the spirit of the Constitution's emphasis on promoting the general welfare (Preamble). It does not directly infringe upon any specific enumerated powers of Congress (Article I) or individual rights outlined in the Bill of Rights (Amendments I-X).
Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to social welfare programs under the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8). The bill modifies existing federal programs (TANF and WIOA), which falls within Congress's authority.
However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and this bill could be viewed as influencing state-level decisions on welfare spending. The degree of influence is limited, as states retain the option to participate.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).