Jim Ryun: “in 1996 Congress set out on an ambitious plan to transform welfare from a program that kept people dependent upon…”

“in 1996 Congress set out on an ambitious plan to transform welfare from a program that kept people dependent upon government handouts to a structure that empowers people on their own to be self-sufficient. Today, I believe we can declare welfare reform a huge success. Consider these facts: The poverty gap for families with children has decreased by over $4 billion since 1996. Hunger among children has been cut in half, and the poverty rate for African American children is at its lowest point in U.S. history. Success stories abound. One of my constituents, Dorothy, reports that when she was hit hard several years ago, she participated in an innovative program designed to help people become more self-sufficient. Once on the verge of bankruptcy, she is now employed and regularly contributes to a savings account in hopes that one day, one day, she will be owning a home. The House passed H.R. 4737 to reauthorize the welfare reform program last May. The Senate has not acted on it. All of us on Capitol Hill must continue on the path of reform by working together to send a welfare reform authorization to the President this month. Support the rule and give our constituents the well-deserved opportunity to have a hand up, not a handout.”