Kay Bailey Hutchison: “6 months ago, the State of Texas started the process of asking for a request for offers, permission from the Federal…”

“6 months ago, the State of Texas started the process of asking for a request for offers, permission from the Federal Government to consolidate services in its welfare system. It would allow a welfare recipient to come into one place to get AFDC, food stamps, Medicaid, or disaster assistance. It would allow the State of Texas to run its own welfare system. Now, Mr. President, that is exactly what Congress asked the States to do. We said we are going to give you block grants, we want you to be more efficient, we want you to save money. The State of Texas is complying. In fact, Mr. President, Massachusetts is doing much the same as the State of Texas is now trying to do. Wisconsin is doing it, and Arizona is looking at it. It really is the beginning of what we have asked the States to do, and that is to become more efficient and do a better job for the recipients of welfare. The State of Texas has been waiting for 6 months and has gotten no answer from this administration. My amendment would grant the request for offers that Texas has put forward so that they can, in fact, consolidate their services and go out for bids to do it more efficiently. Our Governor has said he believes the State of Texas is losing $10 million a month while this request is pending. There is precedent in Congress to grant waivers such as this. Washington State and New York State were granted child support waivers. Mr. President, Congress has spoken. We have asked the States to do a job.”