Lynn C. Woolsey: “we will agree that the welfare system does not work for taxpayers and it certainly does not work for families on…”

“we will agree that the welfare system does not work for taxpayers and it certainly does not work for families on welfare. That is the easy part. The challenge and responsibility we face as legislators, however, is to fix the system so that it helps parents move from welfare to work while at the same time ensuring that children are safe, healthy and protected. We have to do that because parents cannot succeed in school, training or work if their children are not taken care of. They cannot do their best when their children are home alone or in a car or if they are sick or hungry. Take it from me. I was on welfare. Even though I was working, I needed Aid For Dependent Children for one reason and one reason only, to give my children the food, the medical care, and the child care they needed. Without those crucial support services, Mr. Speaker, without that safety net, I do not know what would have happened to my family. So, conferees, Members of this body, remember, the lives of millions of children are in your hands. Take this responsibility very seriously. If you err, err on the side of our children. Make sure that no child is left without proper health care, nutrition, or child care. Make sure that no child is left behind. Remember how the safety net saved my family. Remember the children. I urge my colleagues, protect our children.”