Press Releases

WASHINGTON— Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV), Congressman Ron Estes (R-KS), and Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (R-IN) joined to introduce the Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act. This legislation encourages employer-led partnerships with state and local agencies to hire recipients from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to provide job skills training to strengthen America’s workforce.

“My main priorities are creating new jobs, diversifying our economy, and supporting our business community,” Congresswoman Miller said. “We should always strive to provide the best resources for those entering the workforce to grow and be successful. By incentivizing employers to hire TANF recipients, new employees will receive on the job training and valuable experience to continue their careers. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation and help get more Americans back to work.”

“The Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act will help get people back to work and make sure everyone has an opportunity to participate in our growing economy,” said Rep. Estes. “This bill fulfills the primary goal of TANF by supporting welfare recipients and connecting them with jobs, apprenticeships and training. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this common-sense legislation.”

“Our safety net helps workers get back on their feet when they fall on hard times, but too often it can trap people in a cycle of poverty,” said Congresswoman Walorski, ranking member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support. “One key to breaking that cycle is to treat TANF recipients like individuals – not like numbers on a spreadsheet. By creating an evidence-based program to help recipients gain experience and on-the-job training, this important bill will empower individuals to find and keep good jobs so their families can live the American Dream.”

This legislation combines the goals of helping TANF recipients find employment, while providing employers with available workers. The TANF Contingency Fund would be used to subsidize wages for no more than 50% of the recipient’s wages. The other 50% would be provided by the employer or state and local funds. States will additionally be required to report on the outcomes of this program.

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.