Political Quotes

“I rise in support of welfare reform. The current welfare system is in desperate need of reform. For public aid recipients trapped in the system, for those who exploit the welfare system, and for the taxpayers who foot the bills, an overhaul of welfare in America is a high priority. The fundamental problem with our current system is that for many people welfare becomes more than a helping hand; it becomes a way of life. For some who enroll in the primary welfare program, Aid to Families with Dependent Children [AFDC], welfare becomes a trap they cannot escape. Some are afraid to lose the health benefits they receive through Medicaid. Others are unable to secure child care to enable them to go to work. We must eliminate these barriers and chart a clear path for welfare recipients to go after a paycheck instead of a welfare check. Welfare should be viewed as temporary assistance, not a lifestyle. I believe welfare benefits should be cut off for recipients who are unwilling to pursue work, education or training. I also believe we must strengthen child support enforcement. Billions of dollars in child support payments go uncollected each year. By establishing paternity at birth and pursuing deadbeat parents, we can reduce the number of families that are impoverished by the failure of non-custodial parents to fulfill their financial obligations.”