Jon S. Corzine: “I am honored and pleased to introduce legislation today that Senator Kennedy and I introduced with Senator Wellstone in…”

“I am honored and pleased to introduce legislation today that Senator Kennedy and I introduced with Senator Wellstone in the 107th Congress. Today, Senator Kennedy and I reintroduce the Chance to Succeed Act, legislation that will give TANF recipients with barriers to employment the tools they need to address these issues and move into employment. Studies show that between 44 and 64 percent of TANF recipients have multiple barriers to employment. These barriers range from mental health issues and substance abuse problems to learning disabilities, limited English proficiency and homelessness. We must assist TANF families in meeting their work and parenting obligations, while at the same time addressing the multiple barriers undermining their economic security. The Chance to Succeed Act encourages states to better serve the needs of TANF recipients with barriers to employment by giving States broad flexibility to place TANF recipients in barrier-removal activities and count recipients participating in such activities toward Federal work participation rates for at least six months. In addition to providing families the time they need to seek services, the legislation would assist States in developing a screening, assessment and service delivery system.”