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United Way and partners urge restoration of TANF earmark for family stability programs
Summary
United Way representatives asked the Senate to restore a TANF earmark that funds family stability programs in six cities, saying past state investment leveraged private dollars, reduced disruptive school moves and helped families obtain stable housing.
A United Way representative told the Senate Finance Committee that Ohio's family stability programs — administered by the Seamer Institute and local United Ways — require the restoration of a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) earmark in HB 96.
David Ryerson said the TANF‑funded family stability programs in Dayton, Cleveland, Columbus, Akron, Toledo and Cincinnati were designed to prevent housing instability and disruptive school moves. He said initial state investments in 2019 targeted roughly 1,000 families per year but, with state and private matching funds, the programs served more than 2,000 families in the first year. Over six years, he said the programs have served 13,086 families and 33,202 children.
Ryerson asked the Senate to restore the family stability TANF earmark at $1,500,000 per fiscal year and to preserve the private‑fund matching requirement so the state dollars can continue to leverage local philanthropic contributions. He argued that the programs prevent more costly interventions — including rehousing costs and educational disruptions — by keeping families stably housed and children in school.
Why it matters: Advocates said the TANF earmark produces measurable prevention outcomes — reduced disruptive school moves and higher rates of stable housing — and leverages private funds to multiply state impact.
Ending: The witness asked senators to restore the TANF earmark at the requested level and retain the private match requirement to sustain current service levels.
