STATEHOUSE (May 20, 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. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown).
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.
Rowray 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.
"In order to create the workforce our state needs to keep our economy growing, we must address the factors that may hold people back from pursuing educational or training opportunities," Rowray said. "Removing this road block is a simple step we can take to help young adults who want to learn new skills and earn extra income."
Rowray 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.
She 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.
To learn more about this new law, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) represents House District 35, which includes portions of Delaware and Madison counties.
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