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29 For TANF applicants and recipients, the income and resource limits are outlined in sections 3.1.11 – 3.1.15 of this plan. The maximum financial eligibility threshold for needy families not receiving a grant is 200% of the Federal Poverty Level unless otherwise noted.

5.0 PROGRAM TO INCREASE SCHOOL SUCCESS

Effective October 1, 2004, the State established a segregated state program for the purpose of increasing school success. State expenditures for this program shall be countable as State Maintenance of Effort. The goal of this state-funded pre-school program is to increase the number of children who enter first grade ready to learn and thereby increase the likelihood of school success for children in needy families.

Pre-school age children from families with incomes at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level are eligible for this program.

School-readiness and early school success have been shown to increase attachment to school. Attachment to school decreases the chances that teens will have out of wedlock pregnancies and increases the likelihood that children will remain in school through graduation from high school. These outcomes meet the following TANF goals:

• End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation and work. • Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies.

6.0 PROGRAM TO INCREASE EARNINGS CAPACITY Effective April 1, 2005, the State established a segregated state program for increasing the earning capacity of low income individuals in the State. State expenditures for this program, as well as other certified public expenditures, shall be countable as State Maintenance of Effort.

The goal of this state-funded scholarship program is to increase the number of students from low-income families that can attend college. High-school graduates from families with incomes at or below 200% of poverty are eligible for this program.

College graduates are more likely to achieve success in employment, increase their earnings and break the cycle of poverty. These outcomes meet the following TANF goal:

• End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation and work.

7.0 IMPLEMENTATION DATE