Eva M. Clayton: “I spoke earlier and just want to expound again on the procedure that was engaged in, or the procedure that should have…”

“I spoke earlier and just want to expound again on the procedure that was engaged in, or the procedure that should have been engaged in, as we brought forth a major piece of legislation that involves several committees. To my surprise, in the welfare reauthorization bill, there were provisions in there that would have given the States, at least five States, the election of having a block grant and also in that bill were provisions that would allow for the super waiver. Giving the super waiver means that you are almost giving States an unlimited amount of flexibility and authority almost that they do not have to follow any rules and regulations. This super waiver really gives sweeping authority to the Governors of the States and the possibility of programs being diverted or the real incentive really as we look at this proposal, in requiring more work, requiring more day care, more transportation. When you begin to understand that States are in fiscal constraint, you begin to know how that temptation becomes a real possibility if indeed you are giving pots of moneys in the block grant and say, You can do with it as you please, that gives some of us very much concern, particularly when we are concerned about the poor, concerned about those who need food; and it is food stamps which is indeed our Nation's greatest safety net, primarily to families, families who are working.…”