FYI: Senate Finance Committee Chair Charles Grassley’s staff has begun circulating a plan for reauthorizing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, according to Washington-based welfare lobbyists. The primary issues of contention surround the program’s work requirements. Grassley’s proposal–keeping with the White House’s desires–would boost the hours per week that must be spent meeting the “core” work requirement (that which is most restrictively defined) from 20 to 24. The bill also raises the total work requirement, which can include participation in certain education and substance abuse programs, from the current 30 hours per week to 34 to 37 hours weekly. States would get incentives for requiring 38 or more total hours. The committee is expected to take up Grassley’s bill next week. [7/16/03]