(a) For purposes of this section, “self-sufficiency measurement” means a calculation of the income an employed adult may need to meet family needs, including, but not limited to, housing, food, day care, transportation and medical costs.

(b) Not later than January 1, 1999, the Office of Policy and Management shall contract with a private vendor to develop a self-sufficiency measurement by October 1, 1999. This measurement shall take into account geographical variations in costs and the age and number of children in the family. The value of any state or federal public assistance benefit received by a recipient of temporary family assistance shall be calculated into such recipient’s self-sufficiency measurement.

(c) Not later than October 31, 1999, the Office of Policy and Management shall distribute the self-sufficiency measurement to all state agencies that counsel individuals who are seeking education, training or employment. Effective October 31, 1999, the Office of Policy and Management may also distribute the self-sufficiency measurement to any other entity that requests such measurement. Such state agencies and other entities may use the self-sufficiency measurement to assist and guide individuals who are seeking education, training or employment in establishing personal financial goals and estimating the amount of income such individuals may need to support their families.

(d) The self-sufficiency measurement shall not be used to: (1) Analyze the success or failure of any program; (2) determine or establish eligibility or benefit levels for any state or federal public assistance program, including, but not limited to, temporary family assistance, child care assistance, medical assistance, state-administered general assistance, supplemental nutrition assistance or eligibility for the HUSKY Health program; (3) determine whether a person subject to time-limited benefits under the temporary family assistance program qualifies for an extension of benefits under such program; or (4) supplement the amount of benefits awarded under the temporary family assistance program.