According to a media release from Reed’s office, the group discussed re-authorization of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program with a focus on getting individuals back to work. They also discussed the need to secure fair funding for rural areas, protecting vulnerable seniors, reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), matching up previous welfare recipients with current recipients as mentors, and Reed’s recently announced Promoting Assistance with Transitional Help Act, or PATH Act. 

On Monday, Reed announced the PATH Act, which the Corning Republican says is designed to combat the inherent disincentives in the federal welfare system and encourage individuals to earn more income and move toward self-sufficiency.

Reed’s office said the roundtable is part of an effort to make welfare reform a larger part of the national conversation.

The Corning Republican is touting the Promoting Assistance with Transitional Help Act, also called the PATH Act, a bill he will introduce in Washington when Congress returns in September. According to Reed, the PATH Act takes aim at disincentives in the federal welfare system that discourage individuals from moving toward self-sufficiency.

Reed adds that the current federal welfare system discourages the working poor from accepting a full-time job, a raise, or even a bonus, which only furthers the cycle of dependency. He said the goal of the PATH Act is to offer help for those who are doing everything in their power to get back on their own feet.

The legislation does not impact what benefits recipients receive, it instead reaffirms to states that the purpose of the federal program is to be temporary.

Reed is also set to hold a social welfare roundtable today in Chautauqua County to meet with area public officials and community stakeholders for a discussion of anti-poverty and social welfare programs. The roundtable is part of Reed’s initiative to make welfare reform a larger part of the national conversation. County social service commissioners, school officials and local elected officials are slated to attend.