Voucher Increase Directly Benefits State's Neediest Families
Voucher Increase Directly Benefits State's Neediest Families
by Governor Joe Manchin
This week, I instructed Secretary of Health and Human Resources Martha Walker to expand immediately the children's clothing voucher program limits from $150 per child to $200 per child for the 2005 school year - just another step toward achieving a new era of responsibility government for our state.
This $50 per child increase is a "Responsible Government" initiative that will provide an immediate relief to West Virginia's neediest families. In working diligently with members of the Legislature, and with the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, we are in unanimous agreement that this is the most responsible step we can take to help West Virginia's neediest families at a time when they need it most.
This one-time increase, which will benefit more than 57,000 school-age children living at or below the federal poverty level, will cost approximately $2.85 million. Because current WV Works caseloads are below the 10,000-case threshold level, there are sufficient funds available from the state's federal appropriation of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to cover the costs associated with this additional voucher.
Purchases made with West Virginia Children's Clothing Vouchers are limited to clothing articles and piece goods to make clothing articles. The purchases are tax-free. Parents or guardians who previously received a voucher for $150 will receive another voucher for $50, and will not need to take any additional steps to qualify for this benefit.
As our year-end revenue collections confirmed, it is no secret that West Virginia is enjoying a successful financial year. While we're taking advantage of a very strong revenue year to get our fiscal house in order, we also need to make sure that we take care of West Virginia's children and families who need a helping hand.
We must also remain focused on our top priorities - the management and reduction of the state's long-term debts and the implementation of meaningful measures that provide West Virginians with tax relief. These are just a few of the key components of my "Responsible Government" initiatives and I look forward to sharing with you many more responsible steps of progress in the coming weeks.
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