Political Quotes

“especially in these troubled economic times, the safety net, in the words of President Reagan, is critical for many families in Oregon and across America. Unfortunately, after months of delay, we are being presented with a TANF Reauthorization that shows little improvement from the bill presented to us almost a year ago, even though the economic situation has deteriorated dramatically in the last year, putting millions of Americans out of work. This bill does little to recognize the needs and challenges facing a growing number of Americans. In Oregon, the new welfare system is getting its most severe test. Our statewide jobless rate is now 7.1 percent, the highest in the nation. Oregon's budget is in shambles, but we are not alone. At least 46 states are struggling to close a combined budget gap of $37 billion in the most recent fiscal year. Budget shortfalls are reaching record levels, and are projected to approach $85 billion. Some states have already made cuts to TANF-funded programs, including Ohio, the homestate of the author of this bill. At a time when states are facing serious budget crises and are being asked to do even more on hometown security, the federal government should be giving assistance, not retreating. Instead, this bill would create a series of unfunded mandates that in Oregon alone are expected to cost $100 million over the next five years.”