STATEHOUSE (May 25, 2021) – A bill breaking down barriers for young, low-income workers looking to obtain in-demand job skills is now law, according to Northwest Indiana lawmakers.
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. 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.
"There are a lot of high-paying and in-demand job openings right now," said State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron). "Indiana needs more skilled workers, and this new law will encourage young Hoosiers to take advantage of opportunities to gain new skills without the pressure of feeling like they are hurting their family budgets."
State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) 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.
"Many young Hoosiers want to work, and we need to remove any barriers preventing them from launching their careers," Olthoff said. "Their family's benefits are not something they should have to think about as they join the workforce and prepare for the future."
State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) 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.
"Additional skills are often needed to secure in-demand jobs across the state," Slager said. "Internships, apprenticeships and college degrees pave the way for new opportunities, and all Hoosiers, regardless of their families' personal finances, should have every chance to succeed."
To learn more about legislation the governor recently signed into law, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2021-bill-watch/.
-30-
State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes a portion of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) represents House District 15,
which includes portions of Lake County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
