Adam Smith: “I strongly support the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (H.R. 3734). This landmark piece of…”

“I strongly support the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (H.R. 3734). This landmark piece of welfare reform legislation emphasizes responsibility and compassion. It provides a helping hand and not a handout. Americans today want a future filled with hope. Parents want to be able to take care of themselves and their children. They want to teach their kids how to take responsibility for their lives. This legislation reverses welfare as we know it. Today, the average length of stay for families on welfare in 13 years. The cycle of dependency must stop. Congress' welfare reform legislation also has tough work requirements. Families must work within 2 years or lose their benefits. Work is the beginning of dignity and personal responsibility. Single mothers who desire to work but cannot leave their children home alone will be provided with child care assistance. In fact, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act provides $14 billion in guaranteed child care funding. Two parent families are encouraged through this plan. It takes two people to make a baby. Strong paternity requirements and tough child support measures ensure that deadbeat parents will take responsibility for their actions. This welfare reform package is estimated to save the American taxpayers $56.2 billion over the next 6 years. It is a balanced approach that gives the States more autonomy and flexibility in crafting solutions.”