Gus Bilirakis: “as a long-time supporter of programs designed to assist displaced homemakers, I support the intent of the Mink…”

“as a long-time supporter of programs designed to assist displaced homemakers, I support the intent of the Mink amendment. However, I do have some concerns about the mandate it would impose upon States. Since coming to Congress, I have supported transferring more authority to State and local governments. Too many times, we have adopted a one size fits all approach when we are establishing new programs or policies. In many instances, the very people that we are trying to assist could have been better served if States had been given the flexibility to create programs designed to address their specific needs. While I believe that displaced homemakers should have access to vocational training, I want to make sure that we are serving their needs in the most effective way. I believe one way that we can assist displaced homemakers is by providing a tax credit to employers who hire and train these individuals. For over 10 years, I have sponsored such tax credit legislation, and in the 105th Congress, I have reintroduced this legislation as H.R. 402. Displaced homemakers are primarily women who have been full-time homemakers for a number of years, but who have lost their source of economic support due to divorce, separation, abandonment, or the death or disability of a spouse. Many displaced homemakers are living at or near the poverty level, are younger than 35 and have children. One of every six American women is a displaced homemaker.”