NOAH Public Action of Lamentation Calls on the Governor to Release TANF Funds

NOAH’s Action of Public Lamentation was a moving action of public witness and a success in terms of media attention. Thank you to those who made stars for this event. Stories appeared in the Tennessean, on NewsChannel 5, and on Fox 17. To date, however, the governor has not taken action. Please contact Governor Lee today about releasing stockpiled TANF money!

Over the last several years, Tennessee has been stockpiling much of the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) money that it receives from the federal government, rather than spending it on needy Tennesseans, to the point that we now have $741 million accumulated, with no apparent plans to spend it. This money could be used NOW to provide relief to the many who are suffering due to the economic crisis. Even after the eviction moratorium ends at the end of this month, renters will owe huge sums in back rent, driving many into bankruptcy or homelessness. It doesn’t have to be this way!

Please contact Governor Lee today and implore him to release this TANF money. He has the power to do this. You can call him at 615-741-2001 and leave a message or use the form at https://www.tn.gov/governor/contact-us.html.  Here are some possible talking points:

·       Many people lost jobs in the COVID financial crisis and are facing eviction when the CDC Moratorium on eviction ends on January 30.  

·       In Nashville, 47% of renters – about 69,000 households – are in danger of eviction, because they are already “cost-burdened,” paying more than 30% of their income for housing.

·       Tennessee has stockpiled $741 million in TANF funds, more than ANY other state.  Federal guidelines allow the state to use these TANF funds for eviction prevention for low-income families with children.

·       Other states have used TANF funds to prevent evictions.

·       Governor Bill Lee can make the decision to release these funds.

·       Governor Lee is a person of faith, and we call on him to act upon that faith through justice and compassion for those in trouble.