Family Violence Option moves to House of Representatives for vote

The Family Violence Option (FVO) is a state option in the federal welfare reform law. The FVO allows states increased flexibility in applying the requirements of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to families affected by domestic violence. H.B. 650 would require Illinois to adopt and implement the FVO. The language of H.B. 650 addresses many issues such as caseworker training, confidentiality, and consultation with domestic violence experts on a wide range of implementation issues. The language of H.B. 650 must be maintained to ensure that the Illinois Department of Human Services (which administers the TANF program) and the Illinois Department of Public Aid (which administers the child support program) properly implement the FVO so that it is a meaningful option for domestic violence victims and their families.

This year the FVO is a legislative priority for the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women in Illinois and the Conference of Women Legislators. Gov. George Ryan has indicated his support of the FVO so that the likelihood of success is far greater this year.

H.B. 650 is sponsored by Reps. Patricia Lindner (R), Ron Stephens (R), Dan Rutherford (R), Carol Ronen (D), and Constance Howard (D). The FVO passed out of the House Human Services Committee with a vote of 13-0 on March 3. The bill now moves to the House floor for a vote by all the House members.

Please call your House of Representatives member and ask her or him to vote in favor of H.B. 650.

A vote must be taken no later than March 26, so please make your calls now. If you do not know the name or number of your state representative or senator, here’s how to find out:

City of Chicago residents—call the Citizens Information Service of Illinois at 312.939.4636 ext. 18. You can also find out your federal legislators, city aldermen, and ward committeemen.

Suburban Cook County residents—call the League of Women Voters of Cook County at 312.939.5935 or the Cook County Clerk’s Election Department at 312.443.5150.

The rest of Illinois—call your county board of elections.

Also call or fax the Governor

’s office to thank him for his support of the FVO and to ask him that the language of H.B. 650 not be altered when it moves to the Senate for consideration. This is necessary to ensure that the FVO is an effective tool in the transition from welfare to work and economic independence for women in Illinois. Governor Ryan’s Springfield number is 217.782.6830; fax number is 217.782.2033.

If you have any questions about H.B. 650, contact Wendy Pollack at 312.263.3830 ext. 238. Thank you for all your good work—it really makes a difference.