Political Quotes

“our public assistance programs should encourage work, not dependency. The Senator from North Carolina and I agree on this. However, this amendment affects the wrong people. It would deny food stamps to able-bodied 18- to 55-year-old persons without dependents unless they work at least part time. Many people who fit that description are not long-term food stamp recipients. Individuals who have long job histories but who are laid off when a factory closes would be denied benefits under this amendment. This result should concern all of us. Individuals who have never been on the Food Stamp Program and who have always worked are exactly the kinds of people that the Food Stamp Program should help--people who face a temporary setback. Individuals who have been laid off when a factory closes may face high local unemployment and may find it difficult to get a job. The case of the people I have described is not unusual. Over half of all food stamp recipients will only stay on for a matter of months, and they will most likely leave because their earnings increase. A major goal of the Agriculture Committee was to preserve a safety net for people who have played by the rules and need a helping hand through hard times, while ending the free ride for those categories of recipients who have most taken advantage of the system.”