Herb Kohl: “Today, we will send to the President a bill that abolishes the failed Federal welfare program. We will send to the…”

“Today, we will send to the President a bill that abolishes the failed Federal welfare program. We will send to the President a bill that gives hope to more than 12 million mothers and children who have too long been left alone in a culture of despair and poverty. This bill is not about punishing welfare recipients. This bill is not about turning our backs on families that have been broken and impoverished for too long. This bill is about hope. It is about giving hope to mothers who want to provide a better life for their children. It is about giving hope to children who do not deserve to be imprisoned in a life of crime, hunger and despair. It is about giving hope to communities that want to see their tax dollars go to build their neighborhoods up and not to tear local families down. As a result of bipartisan input, there are many positive changes in this bill that improve upon previous welfare bills. Child care funding is increased by $4 billion, while health and safety standards for child care facilities are preserved. The School Lunch Program is maintained. The Food Stamp Program remains a guarantee.”