“Superwaiver” Provision in House TANF Reauthorization Bill Could Significantly Weaken Public Housing, Food Stamps, and Other Low-Income Programs

Publication Date: March 2004

Publisher: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Sharon Parrott; Shawn Fremstad

Research Area: Social conditions

Keywords: Executive privilege; Economic inequality; Economic projections; Welfare

Type: Report

Abstract:

TANF reauthorization legislation passed by the House of Representatives last year includes a controversial provision known as the “superwaiver.” This provision would give sweeping new authority to the Executive Branch to override, at the request of a state governor, almost any federal law or rule governing a long list of low-income programs, including the Food Stamp Program and the public housing program.