Joseph Knollenberg: “Last week Congressman Kolbe and I introduced the Common Sense Welfare Reform Act. The American people are frustrated…”

“Last week Congressman Kolbe and I introduced the Common Sense Welfare Reform Act. The American people are frustrated with dependency-fostering federal welfare programs. They realize that the War on Poverty has failed and are demanding real welfare reform. Our bill turns the reins of welfare reform over to the people who pay the Federal Government's bills--the American taxpayers. We would allow each American to direct up to ten percent of their Federal taxes to charities engaged in fighting poverty instead of sending that money to Washington. We believe that giving taxpayers the freedom to determine how their welfare dollars are spent will spur interest in antipoverty efforts and enhance the role of private charities. Replacing traditional self-help networks with Government checks has failed. Mr. Speaker, it is time for the Federal Government to step aside and allow caring individuals and community based organizations to begin attacking poverty in a meaningful way. I urge my colleagues to take another bold step to change the way Government works and to cosponsor the Common Sense Welfare Reform Act.”