Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federal program that provides funding for states to implement and administer cash assistance to families who meet eligibility and work requirements, as well as provides funds for a wide range of other activities like education and training activities (US DHHS, 2023). TANF is funded by a block…

Each year, about 4 million children enter kindergarten in the United States. All parents hope their child will start school ready for success, and many parents turn that hope into action, seeking out supportive and high-quality early learning opportunities. Unfortunately, not every parent finds those opportunities, and access differs based on…

The source of profits earned by states as a result of tax-exempt bonds issued to raise funds for college student loans is analyzed, as are various proposals to reduce these profits. Background information about both student loan bond programs and student loans is presented, along with an explanation of how issuers of student loan bonds are able to…

The report covers the period of 1 July 1976 through 30 June 1977. Contents include: the organization and membership of the state commission; planning (program distribution, accessibility, and the data base); federal programs (Titles I-A and VI-A of the Higher Education Act of 1965, proposals to the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary…

This report focuses on the new intergovernmental relationships developing between cities, States and the Federal government as funds are "block granted." The first chapter discusses the historical background of federalism and the redistributive role of government, and puts the "new federalism" in perspective. The following…

A survey of state policies and practices regarding child care that was conducted prior to most states' implementation of the Family Support Act is reported. The report summarizes the findings of that survey and provides information from other recent studies. State child care roles and responsibilities are assessed in four main areas: (1) states as…

Recommendations for state and federal policies on need-based student assistance are presented in this position paper from the Education Commission of the States. Student assistance is viewed as one of the most effective ways of meeting state and national goals for expanding access and choice in postsecondary education. The importance of effective…