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INTRODUCTION OF THE WORKING TOWARD INDEPENDENCE ACT OF 2002 -- HON. HOWARD P.
``BUCK'' McKEON (Extensions of Remarks - April 09, 2002)
[Page: E470] GPO's PDF
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HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Tuesday, April 9, 2002
- Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, today, I am pleased to introduce the
``Working Toward Independence Act of 2002'' to reauthorize the work-related
provisions of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF ) block grant, and the Child Care
and Development Block Grant (CCDBG).
- This legislation will build upon the historic welfare reform law passed in
1996--a law that made a fundamental shift in policy by encouraging personal
responsibility and promoting work. For the first time in the history of social
welfare policy, benefits were tied to work. Because of the principle of ``work
first'' and a purpose to help people better themselves, a whole new culture of
personal responsibility was created within the program.
- The results have been nothing short of dramatic. For example, there has
been an historic decline in the welfare rolls; increases in employment for
low-income single mothers, who comprise the population most likely to need
assistance; and a sustained decline in child poverty. Even with the robust
economy of the late 1990's, recent studies confirm that welfare reform is
largely responsible for the declining caseload and increase in work. The law's
promotion of work made the crucial difference in maximizing opportunities for
welfare recipients.
- But there is work remaining for us to do. Too many families receiving
assistance are not engaged in activities that will lead to self-sufficiency.
This year, Congress must build upon the success of the 1996 law by providing
additional options for families on welfare to move into productive jobs,
become self-reliant and obtain independence. I am proud to say that the bill
that I am introducing today will do just that.
- The legislation, based on the Administration's proposal, strengthens work
rules to ensure that all families are engaged in a full week of work and other
activities that will lead to self sufficiency. Families will be permitted to
combine real work with education
and training to help recipients advance in their jobs. In addition, states
will need to have plans achieving the work related goals of TANF . States will be encouraged to
coordinate their TANF work
programs with the One-Stop Career Center system created through the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998, so that former recipients will continue to have access
to additional training resources.
- However, we know that families cannot maintain employment without
reliable, safe child care for their children. That is why this bill will also
maintain the unprecedented commitment of federal support for child care by
authorizing $2.1 billion annually for CCDBG for state child care programs. In
addition, the bill improves the program by helping target funds set-aside for
quality activities and encouraging states to address the cognitive needs of
young children so that they are developmentally prepared to enter school. The
bill also provides states maximum flexibility in developing child care
programs and policies that best meet the needs of children and parents.
- Finally, the bill will provide significant new waiver authority for states
to design programs that improve services to needy families. This provision
will encourage states to continue the experimentation at the state and local
level that preceded the federal welfare reform action in 1996.