House hearing focuses on welfare reform

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Democrats and Republicans in Congress are working together to make changes to the country’s welfare system.

Members of a House committee said a particular program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), punishes the very people it aims to support. They invited NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre to testify at a hearing Tuesday as they craft legislation.

Favre is accused of misusing TANF funds in Mississippi to pay for a new volleyball facility, the development of a concussion drug and various public appearances.

“I don’t wish this upon my worst enemy,” Favre told lawmakers of the situation. “I was branded as a person who stole welfare money. That’s the lowest of low, and it couldn’t be further from the truth.”

The state sued Favre and dozens of other defendants to repay any misspent money. He has returned more than $1 million.

“If it can happen to Brett Favre, it can happen to anybody,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, (R-Pa.).

While Kelly was sympathetic of Favre’s situation, the executive director of the ACLU of Mississippi, Jarvis Dortch, compared it to a welfare recipient potentially misusing the funds.

“That person’s life will be turned upside down,” Dortch said. “Mr. Favre is right here and is accused of misspending $1 million.”

Dortch told the committee that is one reason why many who qualify for TANF do not apply for the help but said there are a lot of issues with the program.

“You have a history of punishing people if they make any mistake,” he said. “And the assistance available isn’t enough to support anyone.”

U.S. Rep. Beth Van Duyne, (R-Texas.) said the cash assistance amount for recipients has not been updated since TANF’s start in 1996.

“Nearly 30 years ago,” Van Duyne said. “Not the number of children and families below the poverty level today.”

Lawmakers are working on federal legislation to change that, along with updating how states can use TANF money and tracking the taxpayer dollars to ensure they go to the right place.

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