Press Release
By Florida House of Representatives
06-18-24
TALLAHASSEE, Fla (June 17, 2024)—Governor Ron DeSantis has signed HB 1267 into law, a first step toward strengthening economic self-sufficiency for Florida’s low-income families. The bill, sponsored by Representative Adam Anderson, addresses head-on the challenges families face in public assistance programs.
HB 1267 makes needed changes to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and School Readiness (SR) programs, most notably by tackling the ‘benefits cliff’ effect—where modest wage increases lead to the loss of public benefits, thereby discouraging economic advancement.
Bill sponsor Representative Anderson stated, “The bill replaces hand-outs with hand-ups, with the new School Readiness Plus program helping families get off these benefit programs completely. We want smooth transitions for those moving from public assistance to financial independence. No family should choose between a pay increase and receiving benefits.”
Key provisions include creating a case management system to transition families exiting TANF and assist them in navigating their journey to self-sufficiency. Additionally, adult general education and high school equivalency exam preparation will now count toward specific TANF recipients’ work requirements.
This legislation also creates the School Readiness Plus Program that provides financial assistance to families transitioning from the SR program and maintains access to affordable child care while pursuing financial independence. These changes go hand-in-hand with directing the Department of Children and Families to expand mandatory SNAP Employment and Training participation to include adults aged 18-59 who do not have children under 18 in the home or otherwise qualify for an exemption.
Governor DeSantis’s signing of this bill underscores the state’s commitment to supporting Florida’s families in achieving economic self-sufficiency and reducing dependency on public assistance.
Please direct press inquiries for Representative Anderson to [email protected].
