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The notice of a public comment period for the proposed TANF State Plan for the period beginning July 1, 2024, was published in the New Mexico Human Services Register, Albuquerque Journal, and Sunshine Portal for public comment. The public hearing was be held in a hybrid setting: in person at 1474 Rodeo Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87505 in the Administrative Services Division (ASD) large conference room-first floor and also was be held virtually on October 6, 2023 through a GoTo Meeting at https://meet.goto.com/779756645. A phone number was provided to individuals who wanted to participate by phone: United States: +1 (312) 757-3121, Access Code: 779-756-645.

5. PURPOSE

The purpose of the NMW program is to improve the quality of life for families by increasing family income, resources, and support. The program provides the experience and training to improve the family’s stability and enable them to find employment that will lead to a living wage.

6. GOALS

In defining the goals and objectives of the New Mexico TANF State Plan, the state considers the DRA of 2005, TANF legislation and the NMWA of 1998, as amended. It is the goal of the NMW program to:

• Develop a program focus and environment that supports self-reliance and personal responsibility. • Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes. • End family dependence on public benefits by promoting work. • Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies. • Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. • Increase the number of TANF participants engaged in work activities by increasing engagement in suitable job-readiness programs for participants that are state-defined exempt through limited work participation activities. • Require the NMW service contractor to secure contracted services that promote work activities. • Ensure participants engaged in work activity have access to work support services through collaborations with private and public sector entities. • Foster an environment of self-sufficiency and work participation for clients that are about to be sanctioned. • Review hardship extensions of participants that are motivated to be self-sufficient and encourage them to fully participate in work activities.

7. OBJECTIVES

The State of New Mexico HCA applies the purpose of the TANF program by achieving the following objectives.