| Equality and Adequacy
A benefit of implementing a policy federally is that it is implemented with
fidelity and uniformity throughout all 50 states. In a block grant schema, states can tailor programs to meet local needs, which is a strength in itself, though
policies will be experienced differently across state lines. Our three focal states
all allow a family to receive TANF for a lifetime maximum of 60 months
(5 years); however, there are permutations in other aspects of implementation.
For example, Mississippi does not extend the benefit to qualified aliens; Ohio
does not have a provision to address the special needs of pregnant women;
New Jersey has not increased its maximum monthly benefit since 1996.
In a block grant schema, the ways in which states will “reduce the dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparedness, work, and marriage,” will depend on the character and politics of each state, so equality is a perennial
concern. Whereas one state may deemphasize the promotion of two-parent
families, another may overemphasize funding for childcare. Some states may
wind up paying more and others less, in such a schema. For example, initial
eligibility thresholds in each of our focal states can be set according to local
economic trends. For this reason, Mississippi’s threshold is appropriately
lower than Ohio’s and New Jersey’s. This is also true for the maximum amount
of earnings a TANF beneficiary can receive while still maintaining enrollment.
Exercise 14. Write a one-paragraph annotation of this article using the guidelines given in Appendices. 3. Writing an Annotation.
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