Study: Funds earmarked to help needy families in Tennessee exceed $700 million

A think tank based in Tennessee has discovered more than $700 million earmarked to assist residents who live below the poverty line sitting in reserves.

A report released by the Beacon Center said the dollars are intended for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program that helps low-income families with temporary cash, transportation, childcare, and job training. Tennessee annually receives $190 million for that program and last year only spent $71 million. Census data shows poverty levels in Tennessee for adults and children exceed the national average.