Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 102 Part 3.djvu/448

 102 STAT. 2400

PUBLIC LAW 100-485—OCT. 13, 1988

(C) specify an effective process for reassessing and updating both the methodology and the resulting family living standard^ and benefits based on other minimum benefit policies at least once every 4 years. (3) The methodology so developed shall reflect the costs of basic necessities including housing, furnishings, food, clothing, transportation, utilities, and other maintenance items; and the study shall take into account variations in costs for different geographic areas of the State where such costs may be substantially different, and variations in costs for families of different sizes and composition. (c) OTHER CONSIDERATIONS; PROGRESSION TO PROPOSED MINIMUM BENEFIT LEVELS.—In order to assess the implications of States

moving to a new system of welfare benefits, the study shall include an analysis of the relationship between a State's fiscal capacity and other circumstances and constraints and the application of a full family living standard or other minimum benefit policy. The study shall propose a formula designed to achieve a uniform progression from the level of assistance currently being provided for low-income families with children under the AFDC program, the food stamp program, and the low-income energy assistance program, by each State, to a level based on the full family living standard or other minimum benefit policy for that State. For this purpose the Secretary shall define the term "low-income families with children" in a manner which reflects all families that include dependent children as defined for purposes of the AFDC program. (d) REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS.—The Academy shall report its recommendations resulting from the study under this section to the Secretary no later than 24 months after the date of the enactment of this Act; and the Secretary shall promptly transmit such recommendations to the Congress. (e) AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDS.—There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

TITLE V—DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS Grants.

SEC. 501. FAMILY SUPPORT DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS.

note.

(a) DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS TO TEST THE EFFECT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.—(1) In order to test the effect of inhome early childhood development programs and pre-school centerbased development programs (emphasizing the use of volunteers and including academic credit for student volunteers) on families receiving aid under State plans approved under section 402 of the Social Security Act and participating in the job opportunities and basic skills training program under part F of title IV of such Act, up to 10 States may undertake and carry out demonstration projects utilizing such development programs to enhance the cognitive skills and linguistic ability of children under the age of 5, to improve the communications skills of such children, and to develop their ability to read, write, and speak the English language effectively. Such projects may include parents along with their eligible children in family-centered education programs that assist children directly in achieving the goals stated in the preceding sentence and also help parents contribute to the proper development and education of their young children. Demonstration projects under this subsection shall meet such conditions and.requirements as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this section referred to as the ' Secretary")

�