Political Quotes

“the Dole substitute to H.R. 4 authorizes a supplemental appropriation of $878 million over fiscal years 1997 through 2000 to be allocated to certain States in addition to the funds they would receive under the temporary assistance for needy families block grant. States qualify for the supplemental funds if one, total population--not just poor population--growth in fiscal year 1996 is above the national average and State welfare expenditures per poor person are at or below 50 percent of the national average, or two, State welfare expenditures per poor person are at or below 35 percent of the national average, regardless of population growth. States have a one-time opportunity to qualify in fiscal year 1997. If they do, they will receive a 2.5-percent increase in their block grant funding each year, 1997-2000, regardless of whether they continue to meet the eligibility standards in subsequent years. Likewise, States that fail to qualify in fiscal year 1997 are excluded from receiving any of the supplemental funds even if they were to quality later. The practical effect of the provision would be to boost cumulative funding in 19 so-called growth States--but not California--by 10.4 percent. The remaining 31 States, including New York, would be held harmless; their allocations under the main block grant would remain frozen through fiscal year 2000, Not surprisingly, fully two-thirds of the Senators who represent the winner States are Republicans.”