STATEHOUSE (May 28, 2021) – A bill breaking down barriers for young, low-income workers looking to obtain in-demand job skills is now law, according to State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus).
Currently, all money earned in a household is used to determine eligibility for Temporary Assistance For Needy Families benefits. TANF is a program that provides cash assistance and supportive services to families with children under age 18, helping them achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Lauer said starting in July, House Enrolled Act 1009 will 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. He said this will incentivize students from low-income families to pursue a college degree or workforce certificate, or participate in a pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship program.
"This new law can help younger Hoosiers launch themselves into the workforce and gain critical skills, and ultimately provide struggling families the economic boost they may need," Lauer said. "Young adults pursuing educational or workforce training opportunities should never have to worry about impacting their family's benefits because they want to gain new skills, explore a new career and begin earning income for themselves."
Lauer said the law also increases the state's Earned Income Tax Credit to 10% at the start of 2022, which could put more than $11 million back into the hands of low-income working families each year.
"This important legislation will help attack generational poverty and remove barriers for working families to reach new opportunities," Lauer said.
To learn more about this new law, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) represents House District 59,
which includes portions of Bartholomew County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
