Two weeks ago, we highlighted State Rep. Will Burns' bill (HB 2383) to expand the criteria for enrollment in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and lower several hurdles posed by the application process.  Today, the Illinois House passed the legislation by a vote of 68-38.

This legislation is crucial, as Illinois has seen its TANF enrollment drop by 80 percent in the past six years, despite ongoing increases in unemployment.  To get a better sense of the young families that are given a lifeline because of the program, be sure to read this recent Mother Jones article.

The Heartland Alliance’s Doug Schenkelberg writes today that it's important to see HB 2383 through to the finish line:

Our work is not done. The bill now needs to make its way through the Senate. Also, we need to make sure the final 2010 state budget includes new resources for the TANF program that allows the state to access funding provided by President Obama's Recovery Act.