Eva M. Clayton: “In an ideal world we would provide something to wear, something to eat, and a place to sleep for all of our children…”

“In an ideal world we would provide something to wear, something to eat, and a place to sleep for all of our children, even those who happen to be born in circumstances not of their own creation or their own will. In an ideal world we would not set time limits and spending caps and impose budget savings requirements on the most vulnerable people of our society, our children. I realize, however, we do not live in an ideal world. I too believe we must reform our welfare system because the current welfare system surely is not working. However, the proposed welfare system by the Republicans is doomed not to work either. In fact, I offer to say that it will not work for millions of children and for millions of mothers that we want to be self-sufficient and who desire to work. I intend to vote for Castle-Tanner because it treats our children better than the bill before us treats them. It honors people's will. The bill before us is short on reform, weak on work, and tough on our children. Millions of children will be abandoned.”