STATEHOUSE (April 28, 2021) – A bill to break down barriers for young, low-income workers looking to obtain in-demand job skills could soon be law, according to State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger).
He said currently, all money earned in a household is used to determine eligibility for Temporary Assistance For Needy Families benefits. TANF is a program providing cash assistance and supportive services to assist families with children under age 18, helping them achieve economic self-sufficiency.
If signed into law, House Enrolled Act 1009 would allow a Hoosier who is 24 years old or younger and resides in a home receiving TANF, to earn up to $15,000 and not impact their family's TANF eligibility. DeVon, co-author of the legislation, said this would incentivize students from low-income families to pursue a college degree or workforce certificate, or participate in a pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship program.
"Many in-demand jobs require additional skills, which can be acquired through apprenticeships or work-based learning programs," said DeVon, chair of the House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee. "Younger Hoosiers need to be able to take advantage of all the training opportunities available to them without worrying that their success is going to negatively impact their family's benefits and financial stability."
According to DeVon, this legislation would also increase the state's Earned Income Tax Credit to 10%, which could put more than $11 million back into the hands of low-income working families each year.
House Enrolled Act 1009 is now eligible for action by the governor. To learn more, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) represents House District 5, which includes portions of St. Joseph County.
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