Political Quotes

“with the passage of welfare reform back in 1996, we moved from a welfare system that bred dependency to one that offers self-sufficiency, and probably even more important, allowing those individuals to regain some of their self-respect. Rather than just being given something for nothing, now they are working. Since 1996, Michigan, like the Nation, has reduced its welfare caseload by 60 percent. I have been inspired and encouraged by the many success stories in my congressional district of individuals going from welfare to work. Darryl Grubbs is one, and Kendra Norton is another that I have met with whose lives have been turned around thanks to the encouragement of the 1996 welfare reform. These people now have a better life for themselves, and very importantly, better lives for their kids. They tell me that their children are now more proud of their parents, that they are actually doing better in school than they did when they were on welfare. In conclusion, as the House takes up welfare reauthorization, we should be continuing a system that helps people. I urge Members to make a good program even better by supporting this bill today.”