Political Quotes

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There has been 8 percent unemployment for 43 straight months. I think the record speaks for itself. I come from the great State of Michigan, where a Governor, like a number of others in this great country, now is trying to do everything possible to undermine the malaise that is going on with lack of employment in this country because of the wrong approach to helping people with the dignity of work. In the eighties and nineties in Michigan, we struggled with high unemployment. We struggled with a welfare system that was putting people really in servitude, and in many cases against their own will and their own desires. They wanted to work. I still have at my home office copies of leaflets that were handed to people coming from other States to Michigan because it said you can cross the line and immediately get welfare assistance with no work requirements and no residency requirements. We struggled with that. Then in 1994, under a Republican administration and through the efforts of many of us, we put through what we called ``workfare-edufare reform'' and promoted the dignity of individuals with an opportunity to work. We saw amazing results begin to take place not overnight, but almost. We heard testimonies of people who were formerly on welfare assistance saying, I didn't really think it would work, but I can now say on my own I am paying for my own way and my kids. I have got an education. I have got work now that gives me dignity.…”