CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Parents and child advocacy organizations are calling on Governor Patrick Morrisey and the West Virginia Department of Human Services to release funding for the state’s School Clothing Allowance program before students return to the classroom.
The Legislative Action Team for Children and Families (LAT), joined by two mothers from Wheeling, is urging state officials to distribute Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds that were approved in the fiscal year 2027 state budget.
Advocates say the Legislature approved funding for the clothing voucher program, along with other TANF-supported services, including Family Support Centers, Legal Aid and child care subsidies. However, they say those funds have not yet been released.
The governor’s office has said all TANF-funded programs are currently under review as state officials examine the financial impact of pandemic-era spending and address what has been described as a $43 million TANF funding deficit.
The delay has drawn criticism from some lawmakers, who say the Legislature approved the funding requested by the executive branch during this year’s budget process.
According to advocacy groups, more than 80,000 West Virginia children rely on the annual clothing voucher to help families purchase school clothes before the new academic year begins.
Parents affected by the delay say the uncertainty has made it more difficult to prepare for back-to-school expenses.
Jessica Huggins of Wheeling said her son is starting school this year, and the family had been depending on the voucher to help purchase clothing. Amanda Armstrong, also of Wheeling, said the assistance is especially important as a single mother raising teenagers, noting that the delay has strained her family’s budget.
Advocates say the $200 clothing allowance plays an important role in helping low-income families prepare children for school and are urging state leaders to release the funding as soon as possible.
