Number: 97-86 Title: Indian Tribes and Welfare Reform Authors: Vee Burke, Domestic Social Policy Division Abstract: The 1996 welfare law (P.L. 104-193) gives federally recognized Indian tribes (defined to include certain Alaska Native organizations) the option to design and operate their own cash welfare programs for needy children with funds subtracted from their states block grant for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF). As of December 30, 2003, 41 tribal TANF plans were in operation in 16 states. Their annual rate of federal funding totaled $122.4 million. The 1996 law also appropriated $7.6 million annually for work and training activities to tribes in 24 states that operated a pre-TANF work and training program (now named Native Employment Works NEW), authorized direct federal funding to Indian tribes for operation of child support enforcement programs, and set aside a share of child care funds for them. The original TANF law was scheduled to expire September 30, 2002, but Congress extended funding through several laws, most recently through March 31, 2004. Pending are two major TANF reauthorization bills: H.R 4, as passed by the House, and H.R. 4, as approved by the Senate Finance Committee. Both bills would renew tribal TANF grants through FY2008 and make tribal organizations eligible for new marriage promotion grants. In addition, the Senate Committee bill would authorize some new funding (tribal improvement fund). Pages: 6 Date: September 28, 2004