Political Quotes

“as we move towards the reauthorization of TANF, and as we look at the whole question, the whole issue of welfare reform, I think there are some principles and concepts and realities and truisms that we need to deal with. First of all, we need to understand that in order for people to move from welfare to work, that more education and training is needed and necessary, as opposed to more work requirements. The 24-hour direct work-related activity that is proposed is too strict. The only 16-hour non-direct work-related activity does not allow an individual to receive adequate educational or vocational training, and does not allow the ability for adequate job training and education. We need to understand, Mr. Speaker, that education is needed for recipients to get off welfare permanently. We need to allow recipients the opportunity of 24 months of job training or vocational training, and 2 years of degree attainment. That is to suggest that they need to be afforded the opportunity to acquire at least an Associate of Arts degree. Recipients must compete with the lagging economy and the fact that more college graduates are now stuck in low-paying jobs. We need to understand that recipients need education, education, and education if they are to increase the possibility of moving from welfare to work. We need to allow for high school diploma attainment, English language learner classes, and adult basic education, including adult literacy programs.”