SB 6296-S - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/3/00)

     Declares an intent to provide selective access to postsecondary education for a limited number of qualified adult recipients of temporary assistance for needy families, while maintaining the emphasis on employment that is the hallmark of the WorkFirst program.

     Declares an intent to provide temporary assistance for needy families grants, including child care and tuition assistance, to a limited number of college-qualified individuals, with the goal of providing a means for highly motivated welfare recipients to successfully complete college, exit assistance, and secure careers to benefit themselves, their families, and society.

     Directs the department to contract with a public or private entity for the performance of an outcome study of program participants.  The study shall, at a minimum:  (1) Track degree or certificate completion by participants;

     (2) report on wage progression of participants;

     (3) report on the program's dropout rate, including temporary assistance for needy families' recidivism;

     (4) quantify the projected increase in lifetime earnings of program graduates; and

     (5) report on self-identified enhancers and barriers to success in postsecondary education experience by the study population.

     Requires the results of the outcome study to be reported annually, no later than January 15th, beginning in 2001, to the governor and to appropriate committees of the legislature.