JACKSON, Miss.–Reform for how Mississippi distributes money from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, is necessary, says State Sen. Derrick Simmons, of Washington County.
Simmons spoke at a joint meeting of House and Senate Democrats this week in Jackson, calling for Republicans, who hold the majority of power in both chambers, to begin reforms that would make sure people who need the money are able to access it.
The TANF money is what was in question and what was misused during the Welfare scandal.
“This is not about politics. It’s about doing what’s right,” said Simmons. “Families across this state depend on TANF and we cannot afford to delay reform any longer.”
He said Democrats consider the TANF program a broken system and he blamed Republicans for slow action.
“Despite all the data and all the testimony we’ve gathered, we find ourselves asking the same questions and seeking the same answers,” he said.
Simmons said several pieces of legislation have been introduced to start reform, but have gone nowhere.
