Blake Moore: “I rise today to discuss my views on H.R. 4737 and explain my reasons for opposing this legislation and supporting a…”

“I rise today to discuss my views on H.R. 4737 and explain my reasons for opposing this legislation and supporting a moderate, workable substitute. I believe in a ``work first'' policy for welfare recipients--the best path to independence for welfare recipients is a job. I also believe that we should do all that we can to ensure that work pays and remember that the reduction of poverty, especially child poverty, is the ultimate goal of this reauthorization. I have entered into the Record a letter from Janet Schalansky, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Social Services. Ms. Schalansky's letter expresses clearly many of my concerns with H.R. 4737, and I believe that the substitute that I support addresses many of her concerns with the underlying legislation, especially her concerns regarding unfunded mandates and the need for education, training and other supports for individuals leaving welfare. States, including my own state of Kansas under Secretary Schalansky's leadership, have done a good job implementing the provisions of the 1996 law. Kansas has reduced the cash assistance caseload by more than half, and helped approximately 37,000 adults become employed and retain employment. I want to continue to do what I can to ensure that the states have the tools and flexibility they need to help welfare recipients move from welfare to work, but H.R. 4737 falls far short of that goal.”