SB 183 - This act would require Missouri to comply with the provisions of the federal act known as "The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996", also known as the federal welfare reform act.

This act would require that adults in families receiving assistance under the new temporary assistance to needy families block grant program (TANF) to participate in work activities; and ensure that TANF block grant moneys will not be used to provide assistance to a family that includes an adult who has received assistance for five years, whether the benefits were received consecutively.

The act authorizes the Department of Social Services to establish eligibility requirements for the programs funded by the federal TANF dollars including income and asset limits. All recipients must meet the eligibility requirements created by the federal program. The act also authorizes the Department to deny benefits through the TANF program to specific individuals.

The act says that Missouri will meet the federal maintenance of effort requirements to have access to contingency funds in the case of an economic downturn. The maintenance of effort funds shall be used to provide services to eliminate barriers to employment and to increase personal self-sufficiency in the state.

The Department will develop and implement a program that provides incentives for recipients of public assistance to seek and retain employment. The program shall be designed to allow a recipient to continue receiving assistance until the recipient's total income is equal to the total monetary value of the benefit packages that person is currently receiving.

The Department will also oversee the development of a streamlined and integrated system of quality training, employment and support services. Community development councils shall be established to act as the facilitator between local and regional employers and applicants for and recipients of public assistance.

The Department shall also develop a program which will require persons receiving benefits to have employment or volunteer time to receive benefits

CHERYL GRAZIER