Georgia's governor, Nathan Deal (R), has proposed that the state eliminate all state-funded programs designed to assist victims of domestic violence, as well as programs intended to fight domestic violence. In place of the state dollars, Georgia intends to finance these programs with $4.4 million in federal welfare money, money that's part of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
The US Department of Health and Human Services has raised questions over the plan, as have victims' rights groups, which argue that by funding shelters with TANF funds entirely, the shelters could jeopardize their ability to provide services to women without children. Childless women make up between 30 and 40% of all women seeking domestic violence services in Georgia.
Deal's spokesman said the governor "feels this is a permissible use of TANF funds" because the state has helped the TANF goals of preventing and reducing out-of-wedlock pregnancies, as well as encouraging the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. Alan Essig of the nonpartisan Georgia Budget and Policy Institute called the state's rationale for using the funds "a stretch."
Our office has experience working with domestic violence cases. If you need a Charlotte domestic violence lawyer, contact the Offices of David P. Sheehan at (704) 332-5858.
