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House uncircles TANF oversight bill after sponsor raises unreviewed expenditures
Summary
Representative McKay uncircled first substitute SB 47 to address unreported uses of TANF excess reserves; he said Workforce Services later used funds for an unvetted STEM initiative, and the House passed SB 47 72–0.
Representative McKay moved to uncircle first substitute Senate Bill 47, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, explaining that a review of Workforce Services’ reserves found excess TANF funds and that the department later announced a $5 million STEM initiative after the 2014 session without committee review.
"Had this bill been in place...the language would have required Workforce Services to come to report the use of those funds to at least two Executive Appropriations Committee meetings," McKay said, arguing the requirement would give EAC the opportunity to evaluate whether the expenditures were appropriate.
No members requested extended debate; the motion to uncircle carried and, in the subsequent vote, the House recorded 72 yes votes and 0 no votes. The bill passed and was transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
The sponsor framed the change as a transparency and oversight measure tied to one-time TANF funds and cautioned that using one-time funds for ongoing obligations could create unfunded expectations if the funds disappear.
The House took no amendments on the floor; the bill will proceed to the Senate.
