Herb Kohl: “today I am introducing a bipartisan welfare reform proposal that I have developed with my colleague, Chuck Grassley. Our…”

“today I am introducing a bipartisan welfare reform proposal that I have developed with my colleague, Chuck Grassley. Our legislation is based on one fundamental conviction: that the current welfare system is so bad--so removed from the American values of work, family, and responsibility--that it must be completely abolished. Our legislation will take the Federal Government out of the business of welfare and put the States into the business of empowering their residents to find and keep jobs. Before I describe our bill, let me talk a moment about the current system. It discourages work, discourages marriage, and discourages responsible choices about parenthood. We have set up a cash grant program that tells young women--don't work, don't marry, have children, and you will get support. Work, marry, plan your family for when you can afford to support it, and we will leave you out in the cold--in fact, we will take your tax money to support those who have decided not to work. The current welfare system pays people to reject the values of work and family that have made this country strong, and the time has come to reject that approach.”