Item 340 S. of the 2019 Appropriations Act directs the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services to develop a comprehensive plan for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant and make recommendations to ensure the block grant is being used in the most effective manner to best support low-income families in achieving self-sufficiency.

The plan shall: (i) review and evaluate the current uses of TANF block grant funds; (ii) assess the effectiveness of current TANF benefits in assisting families; (iii) evaluate the effectiveness of the discretionary uses of TANF in meeting the four goals of the TANF program and whether such uses have outcome measures; and (iv) provide estimates for the costs of any recommendations in the plan.

The Commissioner shall consult with stakeholders in developing the plan, and shall submit the plan to the Joint Subcommittee for Health and Human Resources Oversight by October 1, 2019.