Christopher Shays: “I rise in support of H.R. 4737, the Personal Responsibility, Work and Family Promotion Act. The 1996 welfare law was the…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 4737, the Personal Responsibility, Work and Family Promotion Act. The 1996 welfare law was the most significant change in American social policy in a generation. By linking benefits to work, the law introduced economic rewards to families isolated in a cycle of dependence and despair. Welfare reform has changed many lives in dramatic ways, but there is still more to do. Despite the emphasis on work, nearly 58 percent of adult welfare recipients today are not working. Far too many individuals still do not know the satisfaction of a job well-done and the dignity of a steady paycheck. This legislation sets a more challenging standard on work, one that is tough but achievable. H.R. 4737 requires states to engage at least 70 percent of their welfare recipients in 24 hours of direct work each week, and the other 16 hours in job-related activities like education, training, or counseling. This will allow individuals to work 3 days and go to school 2 days each week. Meaningful work requirements blended with education and training will lead to greater self-sufficiency. As we set a higher standard of work and require welfare recipients to be active participants in improving their lives, Congress must give families the support necessary to make this transition. A combination of work and social services will provide a more effective approach to fighting welfare dependency and poverty than an approach that relies primarily on government handouts.”