Charleston, WV (WOAY) Governor Patrick Morrisey’s administration says it is taking steps to keep Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs operating while addressing what it calls a long-term funding shortfall.
According to the Governor’s Office, the Department of Human Services will maintain current TANF spending levels through the end of the fiscal year, while the governor plans to seek a supplemental appropriation of $10 to $15 million to help fund programs through June of 2027.
State officials say West Virginia has been spending significantly more than it receives through the federal TANF block grant, relying on savings that have now been largely depleted.
The administration also says applications are still being processed for this year’s School Clothing Allowance and expects the program to match or exceed last year’s assistance, which helped about 57,000 children.
The governor says the state is reviewing TANF spending to improve accountability and develop a long-term, sustainable funding plan for programs serving vulnerable West Virginia families.
