MN SF2543

Establishes the Minnesota TANF Expenditures Task Force to analyze past TANF block grant spending and recommend which programs should be shifted to general fund financing to increase direct assistance to families.

Task force composed of representatives from Department of Human Services, Department of Management and Budget, counties, advocacy organizations (Legal Services Coalition, Children's Defense Fund, Coalition for the Homeless, Welfare Rights Coalition), and four legislators.

Task force must report on whether TANF-funded programs align with federal TANF purposes and consider factors including program overlap, effectiveness in reducing poverty, impacts on eligible families, child development support, and federal compliance when making funding recommendations.

Initial report on past TANF expenditures due November 30, 2014; final report with recommendations and draft legislation due February 1, 2015, submitted to legislative health and human services committees.

Task force members serve without compensation; Department of Human Services provides staffing and technical support; task force expires March 1, 2015, or upon final report submission.