OPPOSE MARRIAGE INCENTIVES IN REAUTHORIZATION OF THE TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) LEGISLATION

WHEREAS, the Senate Finance Committee is appropriating up to $1.5 billion for "marriage promotion activities" in the reauthorization of TANF; and

WHEREAS, marriage incentive awards will reduce funding for childcare and other programs that facilitate employment; and

WHEREAS, marriage incentive awards are a misuse of government revenue that would be better spent on improving job skills; and

WHEREAS, marriage incentive awards can unduly pressure women into unsound or abusive relationships that place themselves and their children at risk; and

WHEREAS, developing mothers’ skills by providing access to education and childcare are more effective strategies to reduce poverty; and

WHEREAS, marriage does not automatically make low-income earners financially secure; and

WHEREAS, marriage is a serious commitment and should be made without duress:

RESOLVED, that the AFT oppose the marriage incentives being proposed in the reauthorization of the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) bill and join with other labor organizations to oppose the proposed marriage incentives. [Executive Council, February 2005]