Lynn C. Woolsey: “I rise in support of H.R. 4589 as an interim continuity of assistance to those who need help getting back on their feet.…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 4589 as an interim continuity of assistance to those who need help getting back on their feet. I think you all know I was one of ``these'' people 30 years ago when, as a young mother with three children, ages 1, 3 and 5, my husband left us. I was working full-time, but to get my children the health care, the child care they needed, even though I was employed, I turned to welfare to make up the difference in my income. Eventually, I worked my way out of poverty, got a college degree, started my own company, and now I am a Member of Congress. I believe others should have the same opportunities that I had. Mr. Speaker, as Congress continues to debate welfare reauthorization, we have to remember that our goal must be to move women and their families from welfare to self-sufficiency, preventing the ongoing pattern of welfare to poverty. That is why I support making States accountable for helping families become self-sufficient by creating a standard to determine just how much a family needs to survive without public assistance in any particular State. That is why I want mothers to have access to educational opportunities and job training, to give them the skills they need for jobs that pay a livable wage. And that is why I know how important it is to provide quality child care, including care for infants and care for parents who work weekends and evenings.”