TANF was created in 1996 to replace Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), which provided welfare to low-income families with children beginning in 1935. Since 1996, federal regulations and guidance have allowed TANF funds to support or expand a broad range of child care and early education initiatives in states. While states have great flexibility in how they decide to spend their block grant funds, they must do so consistent with the purposes of the law.
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