Political Quotes

“the key test of any welfare reform is how quickly and how effectively people on welfare move into work. The main objective must be not to penalize children but help put to work their custodial parent and hold both of their parents responsible for their welfare. According to press reports, Republicans are unveiling their welfare reform plan this morning. I have two major concerns, among others. One is that it appears that the Republican proposal will be strong on punishing children and will be weak on getting their parents into work. Washington, our responsibility is more than just doing this, punting, paying, and then praying. I favor State flexibility, but this must be within a new partnership with the States. A second concern I have is the lack of bipartisanship. The Republicans are making the same mistake as the Democrats did on health reform, going it alone. As we on the Human Resources Subcommittee begin to mark up the bill next week, I hope there will be a more bipartisan approach. Welfare reform deserves it.”