Congressman Yakym highlights importance of TANF efficiency

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 11:36 AM

By Staff report

Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) released a statement following the Ways and Means Work & Welfare Subcommittee Hearing on recent government watchdog findings, where he underscored the importance of his legislation, the Reducing Bureaucracy to Uplift Families Act (H.R. 2284).

“Just last week, I met with the Indiana Diaper Bank, which — with only six employees — distributed over 7 million diapers across the state last year through TANF funding and community partnerships," Yakym said. “Their model proves that efficient operations can deliver real impact. For too long, federal bureaucracy has wasted taxpayer dollars on bloated administrative costs. My bill would cap those costs and ensure more resources reach families who need them most.”

The Reducing Bureaucracy to Uplift Families Act reduces the maximum percentage of TANF funds that states use for administrative expenses from 15 percent to 10 percent. This will ensure that more government funds go directly toward services and support for families in need, Yakym said.

Funds used for case management to develop individual responsibility plans are still considered eligible expenses, ensuring crucial support and services are maintained.

To enforce these changes, if a state exceeds the 10 percent limit on administrative expenses, the Secretary of Health and Human Services can impose a penalty by reducing the state’s TANF grant by up to 5 percent for the following fiscal year.

“We’re incredibly grateful for Congressman Yakym’s support of our mission,” said Ashley Burns, CEO of the Indiana Diaper Bank. “We’re proud to serve as a model for how organizations can operate efficiently to ensure more resources reach families in need. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Congressman to combat diaper insecurity across the Hoosier state.”

Watch Congressman Yakym’s opening statement here and his full line of questioning here.

Full bill text can be found here.